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.

 

[KevinB]

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.

Agreed, the CAF has a history of buying less and less and keeping it past its shelf life.

My primary concern with less than 88 F-35 is that (and even with 88 F-35) is that the GoC will decide that the F-35 can last another election cycle again and again and then in 2065 will look for 45 Airframes as a replacement.

 

[Czech_pivo]

Agreed, the CAF has a history of buying less and less and keeping it past its shelf life.

My primary concern with less than 88 F-35 is that (and even with 88 F-35) is that the GoC will decide that the F-35 can last another election cycle again and again and then in 2065 will look for 45 Airframes as a replacement.

The King and Queen of Sweden are in Ottawa and Montreal from 18 Nov to 20 Nov. Willing to bet a 50 pack of Timbits that we announce some sort of SAAB Gripen production deal then.

We'll be going with a mixed fleet.

 

[Retired AF Guy]

I'd agree with you that the F-35 may be a bit of overkill for the NORAD role but if you're going to go with a 2nd platform you need to pick something that prioritises range, payload, interoperability with US platforms and ideally a 2nd seat for controlling CCV's. To my mind the only aircraft that checks all those boxes is the F-15EX.

Agreed. The F-15EX would have been perfect, but unfortunately, was not offered. And looking back, the F-15 Eagle was one of entrants to replace the CF-5, CF-101, and CF-104 but was rejected because it cost to much; something about that stinginess that seems to run through Canadian politics.

 

[Maxman1]

Saab is also a partner in the T-7 Red Hawk. Maybe Saab could be convinced to build that in Canada if we chose it to replace the Hawk and Tutor.

Boeing–Saab T-7 Red Hawk - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Dana381]

Agreed, the CAF has a history of buying less and less and keeping it past its shelf life.

My primary concern with less than 88 F-35 is that (and even with 88 F-35) is that the GoC will decide that the F-35 can last another election cycle again and again and then in 2065 will look for 45 Airframes as a replacement.

Honest Question here,

Is it possible for Canada to keep the F-35's "past its shelf life" or will it be like my Windows computer and when the updates stop coming the machines usability drops off a cliff forcing a replacement sooner than wanted?

 

[Colin Parkinson]

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.

The Chinese might disagree with you. In infrastructure you want to plan to at least 50 year horizons.

 

[Kirkhill]

Still on the hunt for a decent conjecture as to why SAAB may be chatting with Bombardier.

....

Throwaway line 1 - even Yaks are being effective against drones.
Throwaway line 2 - you don't need legs if you want to place jets where the people are
Throwaway line 3 - a high end trainer with low end combat capabilities

Result - looking for jet trainers

Canada has cashiered its Hawks, used for maintenance trainers (and Tutors need cashiering)
No Canadian Jet Trainers
So what would the USAF do?

USAF is trading in its F5/T38s for something called the T-7 Redhawk
The Redhawk is a Boeing-SAAB joint effort.

T-7A | Saab

T-7A is designed in accordance with U.S. Air Force military future fighter and bomber pilot training requirements. The specific T-7A is the dedicated variant for U.S. Air Force.

www.saab.com

T-7A Red Hawk

The only digital, next-generation trainer on the market that meets modern training and low-cost needs

www.boeing.com

Boeing–Saab T-7 Red Hawk - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

....

What about it?
Any Canadian interest?

 

[Kirkhill]

[“It’s a shock in Washington” France and Rafale reportedly in prime position again to secure a fourth European agreement over the US F 35]

” The line is doing the rounds in defence circles, carried by hushed calls and eyebrow-raising briefings. France’s Rafale is reportedly in pole position —

www.fossewaytreeservices.co.uk

The French Connection

 

[Czech_pivo]

[“It’s a shock in Washington” France and Rafale reportedly in prime position again to secure a fourth European agreement over the US F 35]

” The line is doing the rounds in defence circles, carried by hushed calls and eyebrow-raising briefings. France’s Rafale is reportedly in pole position —

www.fossewaytreeservices.co.uk

The French Connection

Wonder if Portugal is next on that list.

 

[FJAG]

The King and Queen of Sweden are in Ottawa and Montreal from 18 Nov to 20 Nov. Willing to bet a 50 pack of Timbits that we announce some sort of SAAB Gripen production deal then.

We'll be going with a mixed fleet.

My Facebook feeds were cluttered with Grippen-E ads.