Man it’s so cool to finally see one of these in flight with full RCAF livery, they are great looking planes.
I know a lot of folks don’t want the American built fighters but we have already bought and paid for 16 so a mixed fleet going forward, while not logistically ideal, is the right choice when balancing politics and procurement.
FreeProletarian on
Finally! After decades. It’s about time Canada got new fighter planes, **regardless** of that they are.
bdickie on
Has anything been said about what the plan for the CF-18s will be once these start rolling in. Will they immediately start to be retired? So far all ive personally heard is theyre holding on for dear life at the moment.
Haluxe on
While I imagine no Canadian is a fan of the current US government, these planes do look phenomenal.
TactitcalPterodactyl on
I’m pretty sure I was still in diapers when they started this procurement process. It’s been a long road, but it’s great to see we’re finally getting these things.
badboymn on
Beautiful jet but I think the mixed fleet with the Saab is the way to go. Originally I wasn’t for it but it makes sense.
NorthernViews on
About time.
Evilbred on
These jets will be a massive capability upgrade for the RCAF, and they have a huge user base that will drive the continual improvements. The version we are getting is the Block 4, which is significantly more capable than the original F-35s. These sorts of huge improvements are only feasible in a large fleet where costs and development can be scaled across dozens of our NATO partners. It would be far more supportable than any of the alternatives.
There simply isn’t a more advanced or capable platform out there.
AtomicVGZ on
I will miss the false cockpit on the underside like the CF-18s have, but that’s the price to pay to maintain the special stealth coating.
eerturk on
China got its before…
ThoughtsandThinkers on
Like many Canadians, I have mixed feelings about the F-35. It’s a tremendous aircraft with outstanding capabilities
At the same time, the purchase is a reminder of our strained relationship with the superpower next door
On a lighter note, I love seeing the Canadian roundel on this. I’ve always had more mixed feelings about the somewhat inconsistent applied markings. ‘Canada’ and ‘RCAF/ARC’ are indifferent fonts. Having the roundel and the Canadian flag seems redundant.
I absolutely think we need to paint a false canopy on the bottom in the interests of tradition!
Keystone-12 on
We should have had these things 10 years ago…
Cognoggin on
It’s out of the hangar! Wait it’s back in the hanger….
Euclidisthebomb on
The schedule is apparently 2 yrs behind but lets not quibble.
We are going to end up with 30 since we are already well into the long lead funding well for another 14.
The real question in my mind is will they only ink a formal contract for the 14 or will Canada go ahead and purchase a 3rd squadron bringing the total up to 48-50?
It makes sense that we have 3 squadrons of a true stealth plane even if we decide upon purchasing 80 to 100 of another fighter type. And Canada really needs at least 150 fighters. The CF-18 fleet used to be that large and our need has not declined: if anything it has grown.
16 Comments
grumble grumble U.S grumble
Finally
Man it’s so cool to finally see one of these in flight with full RCAF livery, they are great looking planes.
I know a lot of folks don’t want the American built fighters but we have already bought and paid for 16 so a mixed fleet going forward, while not logistically ideal, is the right choice when balancing politics and procurement.
Finally! After decades. It’s about time Canada got new fighter planes, **regardless** of that they are.
Has anything been said about what the plan for the CF-18s will be once these start rolling in. Will they immediately start to be retired? So far all ive personally heard is theyre holding on for dear life at the moment.
While I imagine no Canadian is a fan of the current US government, these planes do look phenomenal.
I’m pretty sure I was still in diapers when they started this procurement process. It’s been a long road, but it’s great to see we’re finally getting these things.
Beautiful jet but I think the mixed fleet with the Saab is the way to go. Originally I wasn’t for it but it makes sense.
About time.
These jets will be a massive capability upgrade for the RCAF, and they have a huge user base that will drive the continual improvements. The version we are getting is the Block 4, which is significantly more capable than the original F-35s. These sorts of huge improvements are only feasible in a large fleet where costs and development can be scaled across dozens of our NATO partners. It would be far more supportable than any of the alternatives.
There simply isn’t a more advanced or capable platform out there.
I will miss the false cockpit on the underside like the CF-18s have, but that’s the price to pay to maintain the special stealth coating.
China got its before…
Like many Canadians, I have mixed feelings about the F-35. It’s a tremendous aircraft with outstanding capabilities
At the same time, the purchase is a reminder of our strained relationship with the superpower next door
On a lighter note, I love seeing the Canadian roundel on this. I’ve always had more mixed feelings about the somewhat inconsistent applied markings. ‘Canada’ and ‘RCAF/ARC’ are indifferent fonts. Having the roundel and the Canadian flag seems redundant.
I absolutely think we need to paint a false canopy on the bottom in the interests of tradition!
We should have had these things 10 years ago…
It’s out of the hangar! Wait it’s back in the hanger….
The schedule is apparently 2 yrs behind but lets not quibble.
We are going to end up with 30 since we are already well into the long lead funding well for another 14.
The real question in my mind is will they only ink a formal contract for the 14 or will Canada go ahead and purchase a 3rd squadron bringing the total up to 48-50?
It makes sense that we have 3 squadrons of a true stealth plane even if we decide upon purchasing 80 to 100 of another fighter type. And Canada really needs at least 150 fighters. The CF-18 fleet used to be that large and our need has not declined: if anything it has grown.