Key Takeaways
- A new podcast series, Rocket War, explores Canada’s role in the Persian Gulf War, marking the 35th anniversary of the conflict.
- The series features interviews with Canadian veterans and historians, offering a Canadian perspective on the war and its long-term human impact.
- The podcast is available for streaming on all major platforms, with episodes released weekly.
- The project is supported by Veterans Affairs Canada through its Commemorative Partnership Program.
- Rocket War aims to give space to Canadians who served in a conflict that is often overlooked in public memory.
Introduction to Rocket War
The Rocket War podcast series is a new and exciting project that revisits Canada’s role in the Persian Gulf War, a conflict that reshaped modern coalition warfare and Canada’s post-Cold War military identity. Produced by Knockabout Media, the series launches on January 26, 2026, and offers a unique Canadian perspective on the first UN-sanctioned war since the Korean War. Through firsthand accounts from veterans and insights from leading historians, the series explores Canada’s naval, air, and ground operations during the conflict, while also examining the long-term human impact of serving in a distant and often misunderstood war.
The Significance of the Persian Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War was a pivotal moment in modern history, marking a significant shift in international relations and military strategy. The war saw a coalition of countries come together to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, and Canada played a key role in the conflict. The war had a profound impact on Canada’s military identity, marking a transition from the Cold War era to a new era of international cooperation and coalition warfare. The Rocket War podcast series provides a unique opportunity to reflect on this significant moment in history and to hear from those who were directly involved.
The Podcast Series
The Rocket War podcast series is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Canada’s role in the Persian Gulf War. The series features interviews with Canadian veterans from the Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Canadian Army, alongside historians who contextualize Canada’s participation within the broader international coalition. The podcast guides listeners through key moments of Canada’s involvement, from naval blockades in the Persian Gulf and CF-18 air operations to ground combat and the war’s abrupt conclusion. By placing lived experience at the centre of its storytelling, the series offers an intimate portrait of service members who remember their contributions to a conflict often overlooked in public memory.
Support and Recognition
The Rocket War podcast series has received significant support and recognition from the Government of Canada. The Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, has expressed her pride in supporting Knockabout Media through the Commemorative Partnership Program. The program recognizes the sacrifice and accomplishments of those who served in the Persian Gulf War and helps Canadians connect with their shared history. The support of the Government of Canada is a testament to the importance of commemorating and recognizing the contributions of Canadian veterans.
The Importance of Commemoration
Commemoration is a joint responsibility, and the Rocket War podcast series is an important part of this effort. By sharing the stories of Canadian veterans and historians, the series helps to ensure that the experiences and sacrifices of those who served are not forgotten. The series also provides a unique opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the significance of the Persian Gulf War and its ongoing impact on Canadian society. As Ryan Barnett, producer and host of the series, notes, "Rocket War is about giving space to Canadians who served in a conflict that many people barely remember. Thirty-five years on, this anniversary offers a moment to reflect not only on what happened, but on how the war continues to shape the lives of those who were there."
Conclusion and Availability
The Rocket War podcast series is a significant and timely project that provides a unique perspective on Canada’s role in the Persian Gulf War. The series is available for streaming on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music, with episodes released weekly. For more information, including episode release dates and show details, visit www.knockaboutmedia.com. The series is supported by Veterans Affairs Canada through its Commemorative Partnership Program, and is a testament to the importance of commemorating and recognizing the contributions of Canadian veterans. By listening to the Rocket War podcast series, Canadians can gain a deeper understanding of this significant moment in history and pay tribute to those who served.
