Canada og jagerfly - AIN

F-35 and Super Hornet Back on the Table for Canada

Following the relaunch on Dec. 12, 2017 of its Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP) to replace the CF-188 (F/A-18A/B) Hornet, the Canadian government has issued a list of eligible suppliers. While the inclusion of the three “Euro-canards”—Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab Gripen E/F—is no surprise, the inclusion of both Boeing and Lockheed Martin indicates a softening of policy toward the U.S. fighters, both of which have been the subject of considerable controversy in Canada. Despite remaining a Level 3 industrial partner in the F-35 program, Canada cancelled its 65-aircraft order in November 2015. The action had been one of incoming Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s campaign pledges. While there had been concerns about the aircraft itself, particularly its high cost and whether it could be delivered in time to meet the Hornet’s expected out-of-service date, there were objections to the way it had been ordered by the previous government through an untendered procurement process with unclear costings. Read More