BEST FIGHTER FOR CANADA

Over the last few years, the Republic of Turkey has presented a bit of conundrum to its NATO allies. Last year, a  controversial referendum  replaced Turkey's parliamentary government to a presidential system.  This greatly increased Turkish president Recap Erdogan's power within the country and paves the way for a full-on dictatorship.  Unlike other presidential systems, Turkey lacks the checks and balances to reign in  potential abuse . Preceding this was an attempted coup attempt that seems  quite suspicious in retrospect . Turkey has also been less-than-helpful when it comes to the conflict in Syria.  From inconveniences (like denying the US  use of an airbase ) too outright antagonism ( sending its own troops in to confront US-backed Kurds ).  To make matters worse, Turkish forces  downed a Russian Su-24  when it came uncomfortably close (but not into) Syrian air space.  Needless to say, a NATO shooting down a Rus...

Don't buy into the propaganda. “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing." -Theodore Roosevelt It has now been over a year since the Trudeau Liberal have assumed power in the Canadian parliament.  One year is an acceptable amount of time for all the new ministers and cabinet members to get up to speed on their new portfolios.  Now is the time to start making decisions.   For Canada's CF-18 replacement, the time for "industry consultation" is over.  The time has come to issue a statement of requirements, followed by selection.  Canada can no longer participate in Schrödinger's fighter program, where it is both a JSF partner and not at the same time.  It is now time to make the final decision.   That decision should be to leave the JSF program and declare an open competition.   There has never been a more sensible time for Canada should say "Thanks, but no...

We might need to cross out a flag or two... May you live in interesting times. -Chinese curse  "Interesting" does not begin to describe the event of the last few weeks.   Mass shootings , terror attacks , the possibility of a Trump presidency... Now comes word of an attempted coup in Turkey .  While military coups are not unheard of, this recent Turkish coup stands out for two very concerning reasons. Turkey is a NATO country.  This has ramifications for all NATO members if Article 5 is invoked .   Turkey is a Level 3 partner in the JSF program with plans on buying up to 116 F-35As.   Turkish President Recep Tayyip  Erdogan Turkish President Erdogan has been a controversial figure to say the least .  While democratically elected, there claims he is  evolving into a dictator .  Turkey's tactics in the war against ISIS/ISIL not only armed extremist factions, but came close to sparking off WWIII . Normally, this...

Turkish TFX concept (that one in the middle looks kinda familiar...) You would think that talk of a JSF "death spiral" would encourage the Pentagon to cling on to every potential F-35 sale like a hungry dog with a turkey leg.  Recent events in Turkey would suggest otherwise, however.  A recent decision to purchase Chinese missile  defense systems has the potential of getting Turkey kicked out of the JSF club . Like Canada, Turkey is a "Level 3 Partner" in the JSF program.  Unlike Canada, however, Turkey is much more committed to the program, looking at ordering 100 (vs 65) airframes in total and possibly buying its first two within months.   The F-35 won't be Turkey's only fighter however, as it recently purchased some F-16s , not to mention plans on an indigenous fifth generation fighter design (with a little help from Saab). Proposed KAI KFX design. Turkey isn't the only country working on its own "5th generation" stealth fig...