The RCAF's Next Generation Fighter (CF-188 Replacement)

[ytz]

The concern I have is that you will end up with a less than optimal number of F-35 and keep them longer than reasonable (just like the CF-18 and CPF and etc etc. )

That could happen even with the 88 frames down the road.

There's no point trying to plan for a hypothetical four decades from now. It's possible to plan for the next 10-15 years.

 

[ytz]

The point I was trying to make was against those who promote buying the minimal number of F-35s (and either assuming we keep the F-18s flying or buying something else) and wait in hope of the next generation is on time.

GCAP is under a ton of pressure to deliver because the main customer (Japan) is facing a resurgent China and won't tolerate slippage. They want it in service by 2035. And they have threatened to simply go their own way if they have to. So I trust them to mostly keep this on track. 2040 first delivery for us, gives us 9 years between the last F-35 delivery (assuming 65 frames) and first GCAP delivery, while giving that program 5 years to mature their flying.