Episode 18: The Arrow and the ICBM - Cold War, Hot Decisions

In this episode of Rum Ration, Rejoy and Colin unpack the rise and fall of one of Canada’s most ambitious aerospace projects: the Avro Arrow. More than just a supersonic jet interceptor, the Arrow was a bold symbol of Canadian innovation during the Cold War—designed to fly at Mach 2 and counter Soviet bombers. But on February 20, 1959—“Black Friday”—the program was abruptly cancelled. Why would a government destroy such cutting-edge technology?Through gripping storytelling, the hosts explore how shifting intelligence assessments, escalating costs, and Cold War politics sealed the Arrow’s fate. They reveal the role of NORAD, the missile age, and even Soviet KGB espionage in the decision to scrap Canada’s aerospace crown jewel. From national pride to economic reality, this episode offers a sobering case study in defence procurement—and a haunting “what if” for Canada’s industrial future.🎧 Listen now to learn why the Arrow flew high—and why it never flew again.