Quote:
Originally Posted by curves2000
I totally understand the anger and the sentiment, I really do. I just don't know if canceling that contract is in Canada's best overall interests from a military perspective globally. A lot of our allies and NATO partners have or will have F35 jets very soon. I don't know if it's the best but is considered a top jet. As I said in my post, if we can find a suitable replacement within the same time frame, maybe something to think about. I suspect the sentiment and the reaction is more emotional. This has been studied and studied for ages and the same conclusion is reached. It's not like our existing fleet or a rival jet from France would better protect us from a US invasion.
We can use other military dollars for a more home grown defense industry, strike deals for energy and minerals with more international partners. There is a lot we should do going forward now that we have a fractured relationship.
Sec State Rubio let an interesting tidbit at the G7 meetings. Indicated that Trudeau had told Trump that with those tariffs, Canada economically wouldn't really be able to compete as an independent state. Wither or no that happened I don't know and some on this forum may wish to disagree but these tariffs/trade war indicate the different level we do business going forward needs to change. It's a completely different mindset and I don't think poking a 10 time larger sized bear right off the bat will help us.
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The Rubio thing is bull####. That's just a trump talking point.
The F35 issue is that not only does the 'kill switch' exist in terms of operational efficiency and dependence on the american infrastructure, any upgrades or systemic maintenance has to be done in the states, by the states. There is serious dependence on a nation that is proving themselves untrustworthy.
The F35s won for two reasons. It's the superior fighter, when perfect conditions exist between Canada and the states. There were also economic-political factors in play.
The Saab is cheaper, was made for the northern climate, is cheaper to fly and maintain (by quite a bit) and Canada would have full control over the planes.
This isn't a 'get back at america' moment. This is a 'is our partner trustworthy?' moment.