The Canadian government has announced that it will be launching a new competition to replace its aging fleet of CF-18 fighter jets. The competition will include two contenders – the F-35 and the Gripen – and is expected to cost around $19 billion.
The F-35, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter, is a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It has been in development for over two decades and is currently being used by several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.
On the other hand, the Gripen is a fourth-generation fighter jet manufactured by Swedish company Saab. It is a more affordable option compared to the F-35 and is currently being used by countries such as Brazil, Hungary, and Thailand.
The decision to launch this competition comes after years of debate and controversy surrounding the F-35. The previous Conservative government had planned to purchase 65 F-35s without a competition, but the plan was scrapped by the current Liberal government in 2015.
According to the Department of National Defence, the competition will be based on five criteria – capability, cost, economic benefits, interoperability, and industrial benefits. The government has also stated that it will prioritize the economic benefits for Canadian companies and workers.
The competition is expected to be completed by 2022, with the first delivery of new fighter jets by 2025. The government has also stated that it will not be considering any other options besides the F-35 and Gripen.
This announcement has been met with mixed reactions. Some experts argue that the F-35 is the best option for Canada due to its advanced technology and interoperability with other NATO countries. However, others argue that the Gripen is a more cost-effective option and will provide significant economic benefits for Canada.
In conclusion, the launch of this competition marks a significant step in the process of replacing Canada’s aging fighter jet fleet. The decision between the F-35 and Gripen will ultimately depend on the evaluation of the five criteria and the government’s priorities for economic benefits.
