Some of this is true Canada has for along time not kept up with defence because they don't have too. Australia on the other hand need to protect its sea lanes which means high tech aircraft subs preferably a dozen of nuclear ones and some blue water capability ie destroyersWell that applies to us as well. What countries have the logistics or the desire to invade a wide brown land like ours? The USA, umm, err. Well thats about it as far as the capacity to do so sits.
I've said B4, we need a good submarine force. Thats about it when it comes to real defense. Other than that a country of our size & wealth needs a good coast guard & good humanitarian support systems & equipment. That includes small & efficient navy surface assets like the AWDs & helicopter carriers. Also small & efficient Army & Airforce units to protect the other units mentioned. Forget the Abrams & such heavy equipment.
Really, whats more important, the new technology & 'versatility' of the F35 aircraft, or the weapons the other planes carry. I dont see why we need to spend so much on a new set of wings. Do we need 'that' plane?. Or something much cheaper thats 'nearly' as good & carries good avionics & weapons?
It wont be long B4 we're using unmanned aircraft anyway.