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

[markppcli]

30-60 split would be a disaster for the RCAF and Canada.

30 Panthers is not enough to cover our NORAD commitment. It is enough for one really big Sqn and no OTU. It would not placate the Americans.

60 Grippens would form 2 big Sqns and an OTU or 3 weak Sqns and no OTU. The US could be dicks and just block the sale of F414 engines and other US tech, too. And 60 Grippens is too small a number, anyway.

If we are going to go split fleet, the Panther numbers still need to be significant (in the 50s?) and the Grippen buy needs to be big enough to impress the USAF that we are serious.

Edit- YTZ beat me to most of the salient points.

They dont have to block sales just stop loading our pilots on F35 training.

 

[SeaKingTacco]

They dont have to block sales just stop loading our pilots on F35 training.

Yup.

Mind you, other foreign buyers will notice.

It will be a Disaster for Lockmart.

 

[Furniture]

They dont have to block sales just stop loading our pilots on F35 training.

That would be a great way to ensure that nobody else buys their kit, and existing orders get cancelled.

 

[Oldgateboatdriver]

Just a stupid question from an ignoramus: For people who know only: Which plane would be better as a drone interceptor?

No details necessary, just your informed conclusion please.

 

[SeaKingTacco]

Just a stupid question from an ignoramus: For people who know only: Which plane would be better as a drone interceptor?

No details necessary, just your informed conclusion please.

Not a clue.

What sized drone?

 

[markppcli]

That would be a great way to ensure that nobody else buys their kit, and existing orders get cancelled.

Or indicated cutting and cancelling orders has a consequence

 

[Furniture]

Or indicated cutting and cancelling orders has a consequence

Or both... But the consequences for one are far more serious than the other.

There is no way America can refuse the sale of engines, or cut-off pilot training and not suffer severe consequences for their actions. This isn't happening in a vacuum, and America has already said Taiwan will not be getting the stuff they ordered until America restocks it's own shelves.

If it was 2021 and Canada was waffling this bad, they might have gotten away with it, but in the current political climate(of America's own making) it would just be another push toward European or SK kit.

 

[dapaterson]

Or indicated cutting and cancelling orders has a consequence

Canada has not cancelled or cut any orders.

Canada discussed fleet sizes, but made no written commitment to the JPO for 88 aircraft.

 

[ytz]

Just a stupid question from an ignoramus: For people who know only: Which plane would be better as a drone interceptor?

No airplane. Directed Energy Weapons.

But if you insist on a platform. The F-15EX.

 

[markppcli]

Canada has not cancelled or cut any orders.

Canada discussed fleet sizes, but made no written commitment to the JPO for 88 aircraft.

I would suggest running a competition with the state goal of 88 jets is making commitment, legally binding or not.

 

[Good2Golf]

No Squadron will have 30 jets. A really big squadron is 24 jets or so. 15-20 would be more realistic. 30 F-35s would yield 2 average Squadrons. That’s in line with how the Aussies operate. Of course we need all 88 but failing that, at the very least 45 F-35s to have 2 front line units and an OTU.

Isn’t the OTU at 80th FTW on Sheppard AFB?

 

[dapaterson]

I would suggest running a competition with the state goal of 88 jets is making commitment, legally binding or not.

The F-35 schmozzle is not a procurement / project / capability development initiative that has covered its participants in glory.

 

[markppcli]

Isn’t the OTU at 80th FTW on Sheppard AFB?

No, F35 training is done at Luke AFB.

The F-35 schmozzle is not a procurement / project / capability development initiative that has covered its participants in glory.

Well at least we're consistent.