Quote:
Originally Posted by Fuzz
There are several other choices that aren't decades old designs, from what I understand, these are considered 4.5 gen fighters.
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
F-15K Eagle
F-15SG Eagle
Su35
Rafale
Typhoon
I don't think we need to be on the bleeding edge to have an effective air force. Plus these are proven designs that would could buy now, instead of stretching our CF18's for another decade.
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If those are our choices, I might tend toward the Rafale as well. With full maintenance ability given to Canada, it would offset some of the cost with employment benefit. I also don't think that we should be paying a premium for stealth capability. The way that technology is being surpassed, I don't think that stealth will last the lifespan of the plane.
I would also like a scenario where Canada builds at least two heavy icebreakers for the Arctic, but I know that we will have to make do with the smaller ones on order.
I know that we have responsibilities to both NATO and NORAD, but from a nationalistic perspective, being able to patrol the Arctic in the air and sea would be our greatest future priority.