BostonMartin
New Member
I'm no expert but it doesn't seem a good idea to buy 16 only. I'd do 38/50 or ideally increase the number of jets overall.
Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) News and Discussions
- Thread starter John Fedup
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John Fedup
The Bunker Group
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The additional number of F-35s will at a minimum will be what is needed for NORAD requirements IMO unless US-Canada relations go totally pear shaped.
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
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A new article about the Gripen-F-35 debate. No surprises about F-35 superiority. The decision may well boil down to perceived economic advantages, the development of new trade arrangements and anti-Trump sentiment. Liberal pollies aren't known for prioritising defence capabilities. Trump has made the F-35 an easy target for an order reduction.
F-35 beat Gripen fighter jet 'by a mile' in 2021 Defence Department competition | CBC News
F-35 beat Gripen fighter jet 'by a mile' in 2021 Defence Department competition | CBC News
The F-35 is by far the most advanced and capable fighter available, and Canada is a partner. It's a no-brainer for Canada to stick to the program. Splitting on two different fighter types have some advantages but after some considerations I think now is not the best time for Canada. On the other hand the current WH admin is transactional. And their talk about 51st state should be a concern.
In addition to buying the 88 F-35 Canada should therefore significantly increase defense spending to at least 5% and try to go for more non-US products, just in case MAGA folks stay in power (which IMHO seems more likely than not, unfortunately), but also because China is rapidly becoming a global threat.
Canada should therefore:
0. Stick to the 88 F-35 plan
1. join GCAP.
2. invest massively in Ukrainian drone manufacturers, and make sure some of the R&D and manufacturing is happening in Canada
3. order large numbers of short-to medium range anti-aircraft systems (e.g., Stryker, IRIS-T SLM, SAMP/T NG) and a few long range (Arrow)
4. Invest massively in large submarines
5. In-source ammo production
6. Develop long range cruise and/or ballistic missiles, partnering with e.g., SK
7. Make secret plans for how to rapidly develop nukes, just in case. Ukraine and NK clearly shows what happens when you have no nukes, and how things go when you have them.
In addition to buying the 88 F-35 Canada should therefore significantly increase defense spending to at least 5% and try to go for more non-US products, just in case MAGA folks stay in power (which IMHO seems more likely than not, unfortunately), but also because China is rapidly becoming a global threat.
Canada should therefore:
0. Stick to the 88 F-35 plan
1. join GCAP.
2. invest massively in Ukrainian drone manufacturers, and make sure some of the R&D and manufacturing is happening in Canada
3. order large numbers of short-to medium range anti-aircraft systems (e.g., Stryker, IRIS-T SLM, SAMP/T NG) and a few long range (Arrow)
4. Invest massively in large submarines
5. In-source ammo production
6. Develop long range cruise and/or ballistic missiles, partnering with e.g., SK
7. Make secret plans for how to rapidly develop nukes, just in case. Ukraine and NK clearly shows what happens when you have no nukes, and how things go when you have them.
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #2,025
Yes, the F-35 is the most bang for the dollar. Trump's rhetoric has reduced its chances but I do expect more will be ordered, perhaps less than planned.
The Carney Liberals have promised to meet the 5% goal. Liberals can't be trusted to honour this though (other parties just as bad IMO)
BostonMartin
New Member
Australia has a mixed fleet of 108 jets, I think Canada could do better than 88, specially with the new planned spendings. Regardless of which one they'll pick.
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
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- #2,027
Australia's population is more agreeable to defence spending due to their geopolitical environment and the economy is in better shape well. Helps not putting a flake like junior in Canberra for 10 years.