Quote:
Originally Posted by dammage79
I do wonder now with Canada and the UK both going up against Boeing if Eurofighter comes into the fray a little more.
Still would want the Saab and you can but Bunches of them today and have them delivered next week.
I'm softening on the F-35 a bit, but it still seems shady dealing with Lockheed.
I hate the idea that F-18s and any iteration of them are even in any conversation for purchase.
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The trouble with the JAS-39E (NG) which is the advanced model that we would want is that they wouldn't be available until after the Canadian deadline for purchasing new jets. We could buy the less capable C or D's but that doesn't make sense.
The bulgarians were originally looking at the JAS-39 as their Mig 29 replacement, but that program has been cancelled.
The F-35 can carry a much heavier payload then the JAS-39, is just way ahead of it in terms of stealth, and in terms of interoperability and battlefield awareness, and future upgradability
And with Lockheed Martin reducing the price for Canada and on its lot 10 order the pricing of a much less capable plane isn't as attractive for a airforce with a 35 year flight mandate.
From what I also have read, if the Super hornet is in on the Canadian competition, Saab is out, they don't think they can beat the Super Hornet in a straight competition. However that could change with the $350 million dollar per copy price tag of the super hornet.
Pricing wise, remember that the JAS-39C is at $60 million USD, the E advanced variant would probably be a lot more, especially with a limited production run.
The F-35 at $85 million pretty much is a great deal.