CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE

F-35 or no F-35 – That is the question



For the last 6 months the issue of the F-35 – the state of the art, new, stealth jet fighter – has been the subject of on-going debate in parliament and the media.
The Liberals have criticized the Tory government for (finally) putting in an order for 65 of the planes for delivery beginning in 3 to 4 years from now.
What are the complaints:
1. the contract is not open to bids from other manufacturers (TRUE)
2. and the planes are expensive at 65 million each. We are in the aftermath of a Great recession, running a deficit – so we cannot afford them. (TRUE)
While these arguments seem logical, they are distorted and the Liberals know it.
Point 1
Canada signed an agreement with 5 other countries – including Denmark - 5 years ago to design (and buy) a new state of the art stealth jet for NATO members; a jet specifically designed to meet the geographic needs of the consortium members and their NATO obligations.
As part of the deal, Canada was assured a fixed price for the planes while the USA agreed to cover overrun costs and other expenses – and there have been a lot.
The deal included guarantees that parts would be manufactured in Canada = Canadian jobs, and so too with service maintenance = more jobs.
Finally, unlike other partners in the deal, we have delayed putting in an order until the last minute, so this Tory government cannot be accused of being in haste.
Finally, as our current fleet of air fighters is 2 decades old and reaching their ‘end dates’ – i.e. think 20 year old cars and the problems they have being roadworthy and constantly in the shop for repairs and parts. We need replacements and ones up to any challenges that we will face for the foreseeable future.
The F-35 is the new West standard and in any new NATO or Canadian sovereignty issues, our planes need to be as good or better than any oppositions – and the Russian SU -35 --nearing the end of development and designed for export according to the Russian government – is the East’s equivalent of the F-35 in capabilities.


Point 2
At a guaranteed cost based on the original, 2005 deal, Canadians should be laughing all the way to the bank. Only the USA – which expects to buy over 300 F-35s, is paying for the usual delays and massive cost overruns.

In conclusion
To reopen bidding and start afresh will leave Canada another extra decade without effective air support, be sure to cost more due to extra development costs for a newer plane, and breach our NATO commitment – to have a common fighter which simplifies joint missions and joint mission communication – i.e. “Don’t shoot at me! Though I am 6 to 10 km away and you only see a radar blip, I not the enemy!!!”

PS: As of December 1, 2010, add Israel and Turkey to countries signing up for the F-35 delivery – because they don’t want to be left behind and become vulnerable.