Another interesting piece from the article -
The procurement schedule is still being finalized, but the RFI provides an estimated delivery schedule that has the first four aircraft delivered in 2027, another four in 2028, and the remainder delivered by 2033.
They are looking to purchase 14 new aircraft which have an average age of 19yrs old.
They plan to replace 8 within the next 3yrs, meaning the remaining 6 aircraft will be replaced between 2029 and 2033 - basically 1 per year.
Does anyone remember some 30+yrs ago when store would offer a 'lay away' plan. Where if you want to buy something that cost say 200$ you could be 20% down and then come in over say the next 12 months and make a payment on the remaining 160$ balance until you've finally paid it off and got your product?
I feel that this is still how Canada makes its purchases.
"Ok RCMP, you've been asking for new aircraft for a number of years and we've completely ignored you during this time period but it now looks like you can't be ignored anymore. So, here's what we are going to do, you can get new pants and new shoelaces today. In 3 months you get new underwear and 1 sock. In 4 months we'll have enough money for the other sock and a new t-shirt and then in 5 months you can get new shoes and a new sweater. At that point, only 1 short year from now, you'll have a completely new set of clothes and shoes."