F-35 Redux

[Decapoda]

After 17 years of Liberal condemnation "because...Harper", and an endless political circle jerk, looks like Trudeau has finally decided to move forward with the F-35 contract. Small wonders. Guess he figures when you've spent all the money and committed future generations of Canadians into crushing debt repayment, what's another 19 billion. Chump change for Trudeau Libs.

2015:
Justin Trudeau vows to ditch F-35 in favour of 'more affordable' fighter jets and a 'leaner' military
Trudeau said the Liberals would launch an open process to acquire new fighter jets other than the F-35s...
“The Conservative government never actually justified or explained why they felt Canada needed a fifth-generation fighter. They just talked about it like it was obvious. It was obvious, as we saw through the entire process, that they were particularly, and some an might say unreasonably or unhealthily, attached to the F-35 aircraft,” Trudeau told reporters at Pier 21 in Halifax.

2022:
Liberals expected to launch negotiations to buy F-35 fighter jets
The Liberal government is expected to announce today that it will enter into final negotiations on purchasing the F-35 fighter jet.
Government and industry sources have told The Canadian Press the negotiations with manufacturer Lockheed Martin will be announced at a news conference this afternoon.

 

[petros]

There will still be weasel shit all over this.

 

[DaSleeper]

Any deal will be better than the used subs they bought from England!

 

[Dixie Cup]

OK - so who got paid?

 

[Ron in Regina]

17 years later? Is Canada gonna buy these things out of the auto trader? Are they old enough to still have factory ashtrays?

 

[petros]

17 years later? Is Canada gonna buy these things out of the auto trader? Are they old enough to still have factory ashtrays?

They are already outdated. SAAB Grippen would be the far better choice.

 

[Decapoda]

17 years later? Is Canada gonna buy these things out of the auto trader? Are they old enough to still have factory ashtrays?

On the bright side, the waiting list for delivery isn't as long. We might even take possession before Trudeau waffles again.

 

[Twin_Moose]

On the bright side, the waiting list for delivery isn't as long. We might even take possession before Trudeau waffles again.

Ironic that we would have received all the Harper ordered F-35's by the end of this year instead of taking delivery starting 2025

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

MMMmmm. . . waffles.

 

[Decapoda]

Ironic that we would have received all the Harper ordered F-35's by the end of this year instead of taking delivery starting 2025

Not sure if it's ironic or just inept. We had to watch skippy fumble his way through his rat maze, disparaging, opposing, and ultimately vowing to abandon the deal because...Harper, only to realize the inevitable decision. But at least he eventually found his way. It only cost us a few years, and more money...two things he seems to think he has a endless supply of.

 

[Twin_Moose]

Not sure if it's ironic or just inept. We had to watch skippy fumble his way through his rat maze, disparaging, opposing, and ultimately vowing to abandon the deal because...Harper, only to realize the inevitable decision. But at least he eventually found his way. It only cost us a few years, and more money...two things he seems to think he has a endless supply of.

Harper was thinking to cancel the deal himself due to cost and went ahead with it after Chretien contracts came to light about contract breaking penalties that would apply. I wonder if Justin had to pay those penalties only to have the a new contract written with the Harper allotted procurement budget?

• 'We could walk away': Canada could cancel F-35 contract ...​

  https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/we-could-walk-away-canada-could...
  2015-09-22 · 'We could walk away': Canada could cancel F-35 contract without paying penalty, expert says Back to video Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau said on the weekend that, if elected, his government would ...
  • Estimated Reading Time: 5 mins

 

[Decapoda]

They are already outdated. SAAB Grippen would be the far better choice.

The Gripen was in full operational service 3 years before the first F35 prototype was test flown. It's a full 20 years behind the development of the F35. Also no stealth capability. But it is much cheaper.

 

[petros]

The Gripen was in full operational service 3 years before the first F35 prototype was test flown. It's a full 20 years behind the development of the F35. Also no stealth capability. But it is much cheaper.

We don't need stealth. It's cheaper, faster and more nimble.

 

[Decapoda]

We don't need stealth. It's cheaper, faster and more nimble.

Depends on the circumstance. If we are just patrolling the arctic and defending our borders, stealth is likely not needed.

You're right, they are cheaper and more maneuverable, despite their older technology. Canada should likely be shopping for a Toyota Camry rather than a Ferrari. But we are currently in a period of indifferent unconstrained spending in this country.... so what the hell.

 

[petros]

Depends on the circumstance. If we are just patrolling the arctic and defending our borders, stealth is likely not needed.

You're right, they are cheaper and more maneuverable, despite their older technology. Canada should likely be shopping for a Toyota Camry rather than a Ferrari. But we are currently in a period of indifferent unconstrained spending in this country.... so what the hell.

Yeah who cares if the SAAB runs circles around Sukhois or Chinese J's and is $3M an hour cheaper to fly.