Canada formally commits to buy 65 F-35s(Update)

Flight Global ^ | 7/17/2010 | Stephen Trimble

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

The Canadian government formally committed today to buy 65 Lockheed Martin F-35s six years ahead of first delivery in order to qualify national industry to bid for more work in the multi-national programme.

Since the first aircraft will arrive in 2016, the commitment by Ottawa does not need to be sealed by a contract until at least 2013.

By then, Lockheed expects the F-35 to be approaching peak production rates, with one aircraft delivered every working day.

Canadian officials have valued the cost of the acquisition at C$9 billion ($8.5 billion), or about C$138 million per aircraft, including engines, weapons and sensors. n additional contract for maintenance support is expected to also cost multiple billions of dollars more, but Canadian government officials declined to provide an approximate estimate as the contract remains in negotiations.

Critics in Canada's Labour Party attacked the Harper government for making a commitment on a sole-source basis six years in advance of delivery.

The Department of National Defence had several options. For the past year, Boeing has marketed the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Eurofighter has offered the Typhoon to Ottawa as alternatives to the F-35.

After announcing the commitment, Canada Minister of Industry Tony Clement responded that the F-35 was selected in 2002 by the previous Labour government after the US competition between Lockheed and Boeing for the Joint Strike Fighter contract.

"I am questioning the [Labour Party's] hypocrisy which seems to soar higher than this aircraft," Clement says.

[Former Proud Canadian]

There is no “Labor” party in Canada.

[Proud_USA_Republican]

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

They have a Liberal Party

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Ping

[Former Proud Canadian]

Unfortunately, you are correct.

I always say, "Vote Liberal: It beats thinking."

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

I know plenty of Canadian and their opinion on the Liberal party

[Proud_USA_Republican]

"I am questioning the [Labour Party's] hypocrisy which seems to soar higher than this aircraft," Clement says.

Well said.

[Clive]

Clement was talking of the Liberal party, calling it hypocritical for denigrating the purchase of the aircraft after a former Liberal government had heavily invested in its development.

See this article previously posted.

Tories to spend $16 billion on fighter jets

[Clive]

Here is a DND/Canadian Forces backgrounder on the aircraft:

Canada’s Next Generation Fighter Capability – The Joint Strike Fighter F-35 Lightning I

[Publius6961]

Sweet...

[Oztrich Boy]

But only 65

40 years ago Canada operated 65 F-101 Voodoos, AND 65 CF-104G Starfighters, AND 75 CF-5A Freedom Fighters

[celtictomcat]

Liberal

Lying
inneffectual
bribing
egotistical
refugee
ally
leftist