French fighter-jet maker pushes Ottawa for decision on fleet

The Globe and Mail ^ | January 22, 2014 | DANIEL LEBLANC

[sukhoi-30mki]

A French fighter-jet manufacturer is urging Ottawa to quickly launch a competition to find a replacement for its fleet of CF-18s, stating billions of dollars of work in Canada are at stake.

Yves Robins, a vice-president at Dassault Aviation, said the Canadian government’s evaluation of the options to replace the CF-18s is nearing completion, meaning Ottawa could decide this year whether to launch a full and open competition. The alternative for the government would be to continue with its previous choice – stalled by a 2012 report by the Auditor-General – to buy a fleet of F-35 fighter jets directly from Lockheed-Martin.

“The only reason for procrastinating for the opening of a competition might be an internal policy reason,” Mr. Robins said in an interview, pointing to potential political considerations. “I think that nowadays, the Canadian government has enough information to make its judgment within four to six months.”

In addition to the F-35, the Canadian government is looking at the cost and capabilities of three other fighter jets: Dassault’s Rafales, the Boeing SuperHornet and the Eurofighter Typhoon. Government officials said they will look closely at the economic spinoffs when they decide how to proceed, while keeping in mind that Canada’s current fleet of CF-18s is set to be phased out between 2017 and 2023.

“Making sure that Canadian military procurements benefit the Canadian economy and create Canadian jobs is crucial to making sure that Canada’s aerospace and defence industries can continue to prosper,” Public Works Minister Diane Finley said at a speech to the 2013 Canadian Aerospace Summit. “Simply put, we will do business with companies who bring jobs to Canada.”

Lockheed-Martin said $10-billion in high-tech work in Canada will be lost if Ottawa abandons its

[sukhoi-30mki]

[PAR35]

What’s the radar signature on that thing?

[alfa6]

A brief search shows that the RGS on the Rafale is reduced but is not a “stealth” fighter.

Of course the question now is reduced from what, eh?

Regards

alfa6:>}

[Tallguy]

With ordnance hung under the wings is probably has a fairly large RCS.

[spetznaz]

Greater than that of the F-35, but a far more cost-effective option for Canada. A twin engined fighter that is capable against 100% of threats that Canada would face.

[Yo-Yo]

The better option would be the F/A-18E/F. Twin engine, similar to what the CF-18 already is, and interoperable with U.S. bases and depot level maintenance infrastructure.

The Rafale would be a North American orphan.

[Mike Darancette]

What’s the radar signature on that thing?

Air Craft Carrier. But it looks busy!