LM says Canada could lose billions if they don't select F-35

reply to post by Zaphod58


Having read the posts regarding the F-35 and Canada's military, it's time for some tough love. Other than the outstanding ground troops, Canada's military has been and is a JOKE. Sorry, but the truth often hurts.

(I did my basic in Cornwallis in 1970 and am currently a "dually".)

Air Force-wise, the F-18 was the high water mark for the RCAF. Previously, CF-104s, (that didn't have guns) which were to deliver (U.S. controlled) nukes. The Canadair built 104s never had missles and no gun. IE. it was great for airshows.

The F-101 was decent in it's time but never enough, same as the F-18s and almost half of them were parked...

As far as technology goes, Canada could design and build their own, especially for Canadian conditions, BUT, to match the current levels of technology that exists the cost would be mind boggling.

As there is no scenario where Canada would be invaded-unless your paranoid about Uncle Sam and wouldn't win anyway- why even have an Air Force? Defend the North? Who wants it???

It it's NATO commitment that motivates, then buy what they want you to have!

(Please spare me the "warp 9.7" Avro Arrow rebuts as well.

The nuke boats purchased from England was a great move, but the socialists pretty well "nuked" them from the get go.

Between the peaceniks and the socialists neither the Navy or the RCAF has ever been much since WWII.

Stick to a great coast guard and rescue air service, wild-fire fighting and the like.

From what I can see is much money wasted on token services-other than the army, of course- and feeding the Canadian Military-industrial boys....at least the U.S. makes use of them.....

reply to post by nwtrucker


They do need an interceptor, because any attack that were to come at the mainland US would almost have to come down through Canada.

reply to post by Zaphod58


I suppose that's valid. Yet like the missile shield fiasco, which the U.S. was going to pay for, their decision process leaves a bit to be desired.

As you say, the F-15SE is probably the best bet.