The Canadian government is in talks to buy a first batch of 18 Super Hornet as an interim solution to replace the current CF-18 fleet. A political solution that "saves" the current government on the final decision on the F-35 affair. If Canada were to buy the F-35 it would do so only after 2020, for a decision that would still be up to the next government.
We are disappointed with this decision - comment from Lockheed Martin - the F-35 is the best solution to meet Canada's operational needs at the most affordable price and has demonstrated lower operating costs in all competitions than fourth generation fighters.
The current Prime Minister of the Liberal Party Justin Trudeau promised during last year's election campaign that his government would never buy the Joint Strike Fighter. How sensitive the F-35 is for liberals is the 88-page electoral program that dedicated a few pages to the JSF: "We need a fighter that can defend North America, not a low observability platform. With the money saved, we will strengthen the Royal Canadian Navy which is in extreme need of new boats".
For years, the Canadian government has been looking for a platform that can replace CF-18 fighters. To ensure a safe and effective transition to the new weapon system, Canada has extended the operational life of the entire CF-18 fleet to 2025. Of the 138 CF-18s purchased by Canada, remain in service after three decades of operation. 77.
Canada was interested in the A-version of the F-35 which currently costs 108 million dollars. The F-35 was one of the biggest political concerns for the conservative government. The liberal government had originally signed up for the JSF's research and development program, but conservatives have significantly expanded Canada's role and committed the government to buying the plane in advance. But to address the disputes over the real cost of the F-35, the government tried to hide the true final price of the aircraft. The Canadian National Defense Department originally claimed that the JSF program would have cost 14,7 billion dollars altogether. Digit then denied. The estimate for the adoption of the F-35 platform (for 65 fighter), was 29 billion dollars.
The exit of Canada, or in any case the freezing of the acquisition for at least ten years, will result in an increase of one million dollars in the final price of each aircraft. The estimated price increase is 0,7% for all partner countries. The development program, which will end in 2017, will not be delayed, however international partners will also be forced to absorb Canada's share (2,1%) for livelihood and modernization costs.
(photo: Boeing / US Navy)
