[CaptainCrunch]

I think that the capability problems are coming to light, just not in the same way that the defense minister talked about.


The last release of the Auditor General's report on the Fighter Jet Purchase file stated that we simply don't have enough trained pilots to handle the number of jets that we have now. The AG also trashed the Liberals on their plans to fly the CF-18's until 2032 without significant capability upgrades because they'd basically be useless if deployed in the more advanced battlefield



Also



I remember reading a report on our current inventory of CF-18's and someone else can probably comment but they're starting to become a maintenance nightmare with microfractures on the air frame and going beyond their expected life span.


The problem with the Australian F-18's is they've flown in a more sea based environment and because of that there are corrosion issues that have to be dealt with.


Even the new fighter jet replacement program is becoming a farce, Rafale has pulled out due to interoperability requirements with Norad that can't be met, The Eurofighter will probably follow suit. That leaves the Gripen JAS-29, the Super Hornet and the F-35 left.


I talked a couple of years ago about the expected rust out of the Forces and degradation in capability and recruiting across all services. The Airforce has literally hit that point now about a decade before I thought it would happen.


What makes this worse is that it makes us look bad in front of our allies. The American's, German's, Netherlands and other airforces usually participate. The last time it was cancelled was 2011 because of NATO commitments with Libya.