In 1990–91, Canada joined the first UN–sanctioned war against a sovereign state since Korea. Rocket War is a four-part documentary series exploring Canada’s role in the Persian Gulf War as told through the voices of those who served.

Focusing on Operation Friction, the series traces Canada’s contribution at sea, in the air, and on the ground—from Royal Canadian Navy ships enforcing UN sanctions in the Persian Gulf, to CF-18 fighter pilots flying combat missions over Iraq and Kuwait, to a rapidly assembled Canadian field hospital treating coalition casualties and Iraqi prisoners of war under the threat of Scud missile attacks.

Blending firsthand testimony with historical analysis, Rocket War examines how Canada adapted to modern, coalition warfare, and how this short, intense conflict reshaped the Canadian military in the post–Cold War world.

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In the early hours of August 2, 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, setting off a chain of events that would draw Canada into the first Gulf War. In this opening episode of Rocket War, we explore how Canada went from peacekeeping posture to active military engagement in the Persian Gulf.

Featuring firsthand accounts from sailors, air force personnel, and military historians, we trace Canada’s early response to the crisis, the political calculations of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, and the rapid deployment of Canadian naval and air assets under Operation Friction. From Halifax Harbour to the Strait of Hormuz, listeners hear what it was like to prepare for war, enforce the UN embargo, and confront the reality of a modern conflict unfolding on live television.

Thirty-five years later, Rocket War revisits the decisions, risks, and human experiences that defined Canada’s role in the Gulf War—beginning with the moment everything changed.

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Written by William Patterson

Host/Executive Producer Ryan Barnett

This podcast was made possible thanks to funding from Veterans Affairs Canada’s Commemorative Partnership Program.

Featuring original interviews with Tim Courtney, Harold Davis, David Deere, Chris Linford, Donald MacPherson, Dr. Sean Maloney, Nathasha Mohr, Paul Molnar, Jean Morin, Claude St.Onge, and the Honorable Rebecca Patterson

Voice direction by Sonia Gemmiti

Series consultant is Jean Morin

An original production of Knockabout Media

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Rocket War, we explore Canada’s air war during the first Persian Gulf War, tracing how Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter jets and aircrew deployed to the Middle East following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. Drawing on firsthand accounts from pilots and ground crew, as well as expert historical analysis, the episode examines the political decisions behind Canada’s commitment, the rapid transition from NATO bases in Europe to desert operations in Qatar, and the realities of flying Combat Air Patrols over coalition shipping lanes. This episode offers a ground-level look at Canada’s role in a modern air campaign, based on veteran testimony and contemporaneous records.

DOWNLOAD OUR DISCUSSION QUESTIONS HERE

Written by William Patterson

Host/Executive Producer Ryan Barnett

This podcast was made possible thanks to funding from Veterans Affairs Canada’s Commemorative Partnership Program.

Featuring original interviews with Tim Courtney, Harold Davis, David Deere, Chris Linford, Donald MacPherson, Dr. Sean Maloney, Nathasha Mohr, Paul Molnar, Jean Morin, Claude St.Onge, and the Honorable Rebecca Patterson

Voice direction by Sonia Gemmiti

Series consultant is Jean Morin

An original production of Knockabout Media

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.