A Case for the F-35 Lightning
The Canadian Government’s 16 July 2010 announcement that it was to replace the ageing CF-18
Hornet with the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter (JSF) aircraft predictably
attracted stern admonishment from Rideau Institute president Steven Staples, and from others
who oppose military purchases.
Their objections revolve around their beliefs that Canada does not need a fifth generation (5G)
combat aircraft; that there was the arbitrary selection of a single aircraft without a legitimate
competitive process; and that the cost is excessive. They suggest that we purchase lesser aircraft,
presumably for a lesser cost, if, indeed, they agree with a fighter aircraft acquisition program at
all.