EyeBrock EyeBrock:
The F35 is a good bit of kit and should last 30 years. I like the Super-Hornet too but it has a much shorter shelf-life than the F35.
Before we all poo-poo the decision, think about buying a bit of kit that will last 30 years. Oh and 65 aircraft is a potent strike force. This is a very capable combat aircraft. You don't need 200 of these to defend Canada or it's interests.
On the surface, it does seem excessive given the current missions of the CF. Our CF 18s are not getting use in Afghanistan and therefore, one may wonder why we would buy top of the line to replace them.
Fortunately, planners are preparing for the conflcit of tomorrow and are not blinded by the events of today. Fighting tribes in the hills of Afghanistan and Pakistan will not likely be the only conflict the world sees in the next 35 years.