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

[Halifax Tar]

How many are fully operational?

According to google roughly 1300.

not an expert by any means on the different advantages to each but pursuing your line of argument wouldn't the F16 should it go into an upgrade make a better selection?

Sure, but that's not the current reality we are in.

 

[Kirkhill]

USAF F-16s Back On Alert Duty In Aleutian Islands For First Time In Decades

NORAD’s return to fighter alert ops on remote Shemya Island is yet another reminder of the eroding security environment in the Pacific and the Arctic. NORAD’s return to fighter alert operations at a remote Aleutian outpost highlights the growing importance of forward basing.

www.twz.com

Footage Shows Ukrainian F-16s Shooting Down Shaheds With APKWS II for the First Time — Enabling Mass Low-Cost Interceptions | Defense Express

For the first time, the Ukrainian Air Force has shown Ukrainian F-16s shooting down Shahed drones using low-cost APKWS II guided rockets — highlighting the potential for inexpensive interception of dozens of targets in a single sortie

en.defence-ua.com

New-Build F-16s For The USAF Is An Idea That Won’t Go Away, For Good Reason

Lockheed’s F-16G pitch could be part of the answer to the Air Force's problem of trying to grow its increasingly geriatric fighter fleet. Lockheed’s F-16G pitch comes as the Air Force seeks to grow its fighter fleet.

www.twz.com

....

APKWS II are knocking down drones from pickup trucks, helicopters, trainers and F16s. As well as from UAVs and CCAs.

Does every APKWS II carrier have to be a 5th Generation fighter?

What would a local air defence squadron look like? Griffons? Siskins (Pilatus)? Light Jet? Gripens? Predators? Valkyries?

Too many choices.