Key Points and Summary – The Canadian government’s “procrastination” on replacing its “obsolete” 40-year-old CF-18 fighter fleet is a “disservice” to the nation.
-With Prime Minister Mark Carney’s 7-month review of the 88-jet F-35 deal still in “limbo,” the author warns that the “dangerous” CF-18s, which have seen multiple fatal crashes, are “insufficient” for modern NATO or NORAD missions.
The 354th Fighter Wing conducts a 75-fighter jet formation at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 12, 2022, in honor of the U.S. Air Force’s 75th Anniversary. This capabilities demonstration included F-35A Lightning II, F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-22 Raptor aircraft from across Pacific Air Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gary Hilton)
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team performs a practice airshow performance at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Jan. 11, 2023. The F-35 Demo Team performs rehearsal flights regularly to maintain flying certifications and to uphold and maintain their mission and Air Force recruiting standards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kaitlyn Ergish)
-The delay is harming Canada’s “hollowed out” military and wasting critical time needed to train pilots and build infrastructure for a new jet, whether it’s the F-35, Gripen, or Typhoon.
F-35: Canada Must Make a Choice On Its New Fighter Jet Now
Canada is procrastinating on its decision to replace its aging CF-18 Hornet fighter jets.
Either the F-35 Lightning II or other 4.5-generation or fifth-generation fighters will replace the Hornets.
The government says the decision is under review, but this has been the case all year.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has been the head of state since March. This has given him and his national security team seven months to review the issue.
The CF-18 Is at the End of the Road
Canada’s main fighter jet, the CF-18, has enjoyed a good run of service, but it was first commissioned in 1980. After some quick arithmetic, one realizes that this warbird has been in service for over four decades. 2030 is approaching rapidly. Enemy air defenses have improved, and Russia is more dangerous than ever.
The CF-18 has an excellent combat record. It saw service during Operation Desert Storm; against Serbia in 1998 and 1999; in Libya in 2011; and against ISIS in the mid-2010s. But multiple accidents have killed numerous pilots. The CF-18 needs to be replaced, and time is ticking.
What About the F-35 Deal?
The Canadian government must offer clarity to the Americans, who are contracted to sell them 88 F-35s. Sixteen Lightning IIs have been paid for, but Carney’s military is still no closer to making a decision on the rest. The review was supposed to be done by the end of summer. What is Canada waiting for?
It is true that America’s northern neighbor does not have to worry about a foreign invasion, but the country has a large coastline. It must police its own borders, but it also plays a leading role in continental defense through NORAD.
What If Canada Needs to Supply a Fighter Jet to NATO in a Conflict With Russia?
Canada is also a NATO member in good standing. That means it could always donate its CF-18 fighters to European members if Russia were to invade an alliance member. Is the CF-18 ready to go during this kind of emergency?
U.S. Air Force Maj. Kristin “BEO” Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team pilot and commander, performs for F-135 engine maintainers assigned to the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., May 25, 2021. The F-35A Demonstration Team put on the performance for the maintainers as a show of appreciation for keeping F-35s throughout the Department of Defense running and in the sky. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Thomas Barley)
Canada must look in the mirror and figure out its defense strategy. Its military has been hollowed out. It is true that Canada must deal with a crippling trade war with the United States. This is a priority, but the country’s defense needs are not going away, and its air force is paying the price for inaction.
The New Fighter Jet’s To-Do List Is Long
An air force needs time to adjust to the aviation requirements of any new platform. It will need to train new pilots and improve existing air base infrastructure, improve runways, and build new hangars. The longer Canada waits to decide on a new fighter, the more time will elapse before its future airplanes are ready to patrol on a regular basis.
Canada is considering F-35 alternatives such as the JAS 39 Gripen or the Eurofighter Typhoon. These are quality jets, although not stealthy like the F-35. The Lightning II is the best model available, and 19 other countries fly it. The F-35 would be interoperable with NATO and could dogfight and deliver ground strikes if a new conflict erupts in Europe. The F-35 would protect the homeland well, keeping the Arctic from slipping under the control of Russia or China.
Defense Needs to Be a Bigger Priority
One of the biggest responsibilities for any government is to give its military the best tools that it can afford. The CF-18 needs to be replaced, and Carney is doing his country a disservice by holding back his decision. The Canadians have no one to blame but themselves. The United States, Sweden, and the Europeans have been extraordinarily patient with the Canadians.
Carney must also be fair to Lockheed Martin. The airplane has a long lead time to produce. The U.S. government is shut down, which also complicates matters. Sweden has even suggested that parts for the Gripen could be produced in Canada, sweetening a potential deal for the JAS-39. There are several defense contractors in Canada that also supply components for the F-35. Canada can use whichever airplane purchase it makes to stimulate the economy and add high-paying jobs in advanced manufacturing.
The F-35, the Gripen, and Typhoon are all fine choices and would bolster the air force. It’s time for Canada to decide.
Perhaps Canada just does not take its military seriously enough. They have proved they are a good NATO partner in the past. Their help during Operation Desert Storm was a great example of a country coming to the aid of an ally, but that was decades ago.
The Canadians should develop a defense strategy that drives their acquisition choices. Canada’s defense capabilities are hanging in the balance, and the country must make its military more of a priority.
About the Author: Brent M. Eastwood
Brent M. Eastwood, PhD is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for US Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former US Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.
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