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

[dapaterson]

There's no minimum. We buy and pay up for slots. The Americans usually flex around international orders.

On the schedule FFCP has:

2026 - 2028: 16
2029: 18
2030: 18
2031: 18
2032: 18

An order of 14 for 2029 signals continued optionality for dual fleet. They need 50 - 60 to retire the Hornet. If we're only buying 14 in 2029. This means that we can buy say 8-10 in each of the subsequent years and retire the Hornet in 2032 as planned and commence the second fleet that year too. Alternatively, the 88 order could get stretched out past 2032.

Or it signals unreadiness to receive aircraft because the security issues (physical and digital) were ignored too long, and there's massive catch up rest.

 

[ytz]

Or it signals unreadiness to receive aircraft because the security issues (physical and digital) were ignored too long, and there's massive catch up rest.

To a point. But they have the option of just camping at Luke longer. And this is probably going to happen. But ambiguous signalling doesn't hurt the government's other goals.

 

[suffolkowner]

To a point. But they have the option of just camping at Luke longer. And this is probably going to happen. But ambiguous signalling doesn't hurt the government's other goals.

whats the timetable for bringing them home? How many and how long do some stay at Luke?
2026 3
2027 5
2028 8
2029 14

 

[dapaterson]

whats the timetable for bringing them home? How many and how long do some stay at Luke?
2026 3
2027 5
2028 8
2029 14

Earliest birds may stay in Like permanently as part of the flight training team; they'd be more likely to have future upgrade issues.

 

[GR66]

Earliest birds may stay in Like permanently as part of the flight training team; they'd be more likely to have future upgrade issues.

Like getting the cement blocks upgraded to radars?

 

[Kirkhill]

RN's Jet Powered Carrier-Launched CCA Drone

Delivery imminent with sea trials before the end of the year for a price of 13 to 16 MUSD

Royal Navy Pursues Jet-Powered Carrier-Launched Drone to Fly Alongside F-35

The UK has sought industry input on an unmanned aerial system for operations from the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.

thedefensepost.com

 

[ytz]

Earliest birds may stay in Like permanently as part of the flight training team; they'd be more likely to have future upgrade issues.

I think the plan is to bring them all home. OTU will be in Canada at some point. But past initial cadre training, I don't believe there's permanent aircraft at Luke. Just rotating pilots through for training.

 

[KevinB]

Like getting the cement blocks upgraded to radars?

Only an issue for -85 customers. Which currently is only the USAF.
The 81’s are going out the door fine - which are the export models at this point. It is still a great radar / just not as good as to what the -85 can offer (once they can be built in decent numbers).

While I have confidence that NG will get the -85 radars on track, it really isn’t an issue as far as Canada goes as the RCAF’s ones (at least the first 16) aren’t blocks scheduled to get the -85.