BEST FIGHTER FOR CANADA

Welp...  So much for my hiatus. Back in March, it seemed like Canada's protracted fighter jet saga was entering a stage of (relative) stability, with an "interim" purchase of 18 Super Hornets pending followed by a open fighter competition. That was then...  This is now. Boeing would rather we DON'T sell these... ...Then to sell us these. The Canadian government has now suspended talks with Boeing  thanks to a trade dispute over allegations that Bombardier is "dumping" (i.e. selling below cost) C-Series airliners onto the US market.  Whether this is simple posturing remains to be seen.  As of now, a Canadian Super Hornet purchase appears unlikely...  Interim or otherwise. The Government of Canada dropped another bombshell this week with the release of its new defence policy ( available here ).  In it are plans for Canada to increase its defence spending by a whopping 70% .  This would bring Canada's military spending up to...

Kakistocracy noun ,  plural   kakistocracies. 1. government   by   the   worst   persons;   a   form   of   government   in   which   the worst   persons   are   in   power. Well...  Here we are. The largest, most powerful, most technological advanced military in the world has a new Commander-in-Chief. This Commander-in-Chief campaigned on a premise of  American nationalism ,  isolationism , and  military build up .  He has promised to  ban immigration of an entire religion while forming a registry of those whom are already citizens .  He is a  climate-change denier .  He is a  racist .  He is an unabashed  misogynist  whose advances toward woman may be  sexual assault .   One would have hoped that Trump would have tempered his controversial ascension by surrounding himself with a less-controversial staff. ...

It's happening... In a news conference today, it was confirmed that Canada will indeed acquire 18 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets.  The Super Hornet will act as an "interim" fighter alongside the current CF-18 fleet to help mitigate the "capability gap" as the current fleet flies long past its prime.  Canada will then conduct a "open and fair competition" to find a permanent CF-18 replacement for the late 2020s. Canadian government officials will immediately begin negotiations with Boeing and the US government to acquire 18 Super Hornets.  During this time, additional resources will be devoted to Canada's current CF-18 fleet to keep them flying and even expand their current role. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan clarified that Canada will remain on as a JSF partner for the time being. The full-blown fighter competition will occur upon the conclusion of Canada's Defence Policy Review that is currently underway.  Using that review as a guide, a n...

Before I wade neck-deep into the murky waters of Canada's future defence policy, I would like to make one thing VERY CLEAR:  I am not, nor ever have been, a military expert of any kind.  My forays into miniature wargaming led to more losses than wins.  I am not particularly good at chess.  Even my paint-balling skills leave a lot to be desired.  Please keep in mind that there is a real possibility that I have no idea what I am talking about. Also, I will attempt to avoid getting into specifics.  Doing so would not really help, and bogging things down with numbers would be pointless anyway. While I will attempt to answer the "Key Consultation Questions", I will do so using my own set of guidelines to avoid any wishful thinking or unrealistic expectations.  These are: Canada's defence budget will remain fairly modest.   While it would be nice to see Canada meet the 2% of GDP target set out by NATO, the chances of that actually happening...

The time has come. The time has come for every armchair admiral , internet "expert", and members of the " Chairborne Rangers " to come forth and do their part. Do not worry, I am not referring to actual combat or military service. The time has come for everyday Canadians to help determine the future defence policy of Canada.  Not in specific procurement or strategies, but the general direction Canada's military should take in the upcoming years. The Government of Canada has launched a Defence Policy Review  that will engage the Canadian public regarding the following: The main challenges to Canada’s security The role of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in addressing current threats and challenges The resources and capabilities needed to carry out the CAF mandate More details regarding the public consultation can be found here  (Warning: 6.6MB PDF file!). Canadians can submit their suggestions either online, by mail, or at one of six roun...