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Originally Posted by Leeman4Gilmour
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The negative points that Trudeau bought up, not stealthy (Flat out lie). Not capable of arctic missions (Maybe accurate then but not accurate now). The whole cost increases (Pretty incorrect at the time, it was always expected that as the F-35A got deeper into the production run the costs would drop). Is the F-35A more expensive to fly then something like the F-18, well yeah, its a far more sophisticated machine, and probably one of the most complex jets to operate on the planet right now.
Are there issues with the F-35A sure, absolutely but they are now active in air forces around the world. But we have to remember that for example the development of the F-18 with plagued with a lot of problems.
Israel has deployed the F-35 in combat roles. The UK iiirc are actively using the F-35's in concert with their new carrier.
If fat amy can live up to its promise of interoperability, the ability to deploy 5th generation weapons, the stealth ability to take on advanced air defenses and its heightened situational awareness ability then it could be a good long term fighter jet with a long upgrade path which is what Canada should be taking into account.
On top of it, and I warn everyone to take performance discussions around the F-35 with a grain of salt. For the most part, very few know about the actual capabilities of the jet, just like the F-22.