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See, I think the misunderstanding here is that the F-35 is better option for both domestic and foreign operations at a lower cost too. The only option might be less expensive is F/A-18E, however that is not clear at this time (it would really depend on how the operational costs play out after...

That's not quite correct. The original F-15 (A/C/J) were air superiority fighters with no A2G abilities (except its Cannon). The current F-15s (E/I/SG/K/SE) are for all intents and purposes multi-role long range strike aircraft. The latter was weighed down with conformal fuel tanks, is a twin...

Even at ~590nm Combat radius, the F-35 is superior. That number includes 4000lbs of bombs carried internally and no external tanks. I can't remember off hand, but I believe it has a hi-med-hi profile as well. Remove the bombs, fly it at high altitude all the way and the F-35 should be around...

No, but no fighter aircraft in world can do that either. All aircraft available must use the FOBs, which are there to stage out of. The F-35's range should be better than the F/A-18E and our Current CF-18s, probably around that of the Eurofighter and Rafale.

You're probably looking at about roughly 20+% increase in operational costs based on current cost differences between between the F-16 and F-15E.... conservatively. he availability will certainly be lower than the F-35, so you'll need more aircraft available to operate at one time...

Its more France being France and working within their sphere of influence. France has never been shy to intervene in their former colonies. The only thing that can be said for it is that at least they their moral standards isn't nearly as bad in these actions as they once was.

Maybe, it depends on who you're talk about.  The 2010 "selection" it really didn't do much to change Canada's situation in the program; It could have backed out afterwards, like we're considering now. I think the decision really was more for political consideration for a photo op, rather than...

That's not what the report says at all. Actually it says on page 6: Although a direct conflict with any one of these nations  [China and Russia] is exceedingly unlikely, these systems are being exported to their client states around the world. They pose a challenge to the West’s ability to...

Yes, but that would change nothing from the government's current or previous policy. Canada won't make its final decision to purchase the aircraft until 2016 when it pays LM for its first F-35s. That does not affect its position within the partnership. 

This report lays out much of the operational basis behind Canada's purchase of the F-35... if you're interested. http://www.cdfai.org/PDF/F-35%20and%20the%20Future%20of%20Canadian%20Security.pdf

Basically, engine reliability has reached a point where there is little difference between single and twins. It might mean the difference between losing one or two aircraft over the projected lifecycle, but that must be balanced with the cost of running two engines. This post talks about that...

They made the decision to kill almost all potential modifications in the last year or so to ensure there was no added expenses. Now, wasn't that a situation the RCAF dealt with between 1998 and 2008 when the RCAF lacked an proper tanker? (after the CC-137 withdrawal.) How well did we handle it...

Thanks for the correction on Ordinance vs ordanance. Its what I get for writing things on the fly. AFAIK I don't think it would change in practice. There isn't a JSF arrangement for weapons, except to ensure integration for different types. The issue here is that these aren't budget...

There are different ways to cut this. Certainly the F100-229 equipped F-16s have a lower number of Category A accidents (IE total aircraft write off) related to engines than F-15Es (it shares a lot with the F-35's F135.) However the data does not include FOD related damage, which has never been...

I'll completely admit that my terminology was inexact, however the RCAF has separated cannon ammunition and other consumables from larger ordinance for the program assessment, and will do so for the alternatives that are being assessed (like Kirkhill posted). Those weapons, like bombs and...

That's not ammunition, nor would it be considered in any program. Ammunition is cannon rounds and other operational consumables like flares and chaff. What you're talking about is ordinance, which is bought separately because they are not produced by LM or part of the MOU process. ITs a...

First, this line is would not be part of the overall fighter's IRB requirements, for this program or any other Canada may pursue. Ammunition is bought in separate contracts with completely different manufacturers; I don't believe that LM actually makes cannon ammunition. Its not part of the MOU...

Either not reading the document or just willfully stating wrong information to support your views. Its not 8.99 billion for acquisition with initial spares. This is the government breakdowns. I've marked X on things that IRBs would not apply, and ~ for things that IRBs might only partially...

Basically yes, what you said is mostly accurate... sorry I was doing my replies on the fly so I couldn't really spend much time with them. I don't know what portion of the O&M Phase is devoted to spares, foreign training and foreign support. Those portions of the program (if they are undertaken...

Actually that's what alot of Australian studies have found. Basically they found that offsets of the type we use had detrimental effects to some of their industries. It might look like free money, but in reality its a case of good politics/ very bad public policy.