What's red and white and grey all over? The VIP Airbus used by the Canadian military. It's grey now, as befits an aircraft that flies on military missions over dangerous territory, but if the Prime Minister's Office has its way, the plane will be red and white all over.

For two years, the PMO has wanted the plane to be repainted in patriotic Canadian colours, but Defence Minister Peter MacKay's office says no.

MacKay says that when Prime Minister Stephen Harper isn't using the plane, it is used for military missions, and therefore, needs to be grey.

Otherwise, decked out in red and white, it risks being too visible when it's flown to potentially dangerous trouble spots.

MacKay is right. There is no reason to make the plane a more tempting target for the Taliban, who, thinking it might contain Canadian civilians because of the unique paint job, may be more likely to target it.

The PMO should hold off on the paint job. When the Canadian mission in Afghanistan is over, the plane can be repainted in brighter colours.

Until then, nothing should be done that risks increasing the danger to the lives of soldiers and other personnel who may be transported in that plane.