Strategically superfluous, unacceptably overpriced: The case against Canada's F-35A Lightning II acquisition

Abstract

Defence Minister Peter MacKay's July 2010 decision to procure the developmentally lagging F-35 was reportedly driven by aerospace industrial development hopes at the political level, and aspirations in the senior ranks of the Canadian military that Lockheed Martin (LM) would indeed deliver a fiscally viable aircraft. Such hopes are unlikely to be fulfilled. The aircraft is strategically inappropriate for Canada, and comes with too great opportunity costs. The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) design entailed too many complex advances at one time. Any F-35 aircraft purchased are likely to be a source of chronic problems and expensive maintenance. The single-engine F-35 is, in comparison with upgraded fourth-generation competitors, not well suited for its primary Canadian strategic role in continental air defence. Further, the JSF would be militarily redundant in overseas allied missions. Less costly, operationally proven platforms such as the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the F-15C ‘Golden Eagle’ or the Eurofighter Typhoon equipped with the latest Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars and advanced missiles are preferable. JSF acquisition by Ottawa would result in too few aircraft with less capability in the continental air defence role. Only an open competition is likely to produce an optimal selection able to meet Canada's highest defence priority.

Keywords:

• Defence Procurement
• Foreign Policy
• F-35 Lightning II
• International Relations
• Canada

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anton Bezglasnyy

Anton Bezglasnyy is a graduate student in political science at the University of British Columbia.  His research interests include international relations and security as well as Canadian foreign and defence policy.Email: [email protected] Postal address: Department of Political Science, The University of British Columbia, C425 - 1866 Main Mall Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z1.

Douglas Alan Ross

Douglas A. Ross is Professor of Political Science at Simon Fraser University, specializing in strategic studies, arms control and Canadian foreign and defence policies. Email: [email protected] Postal address: 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. Canada V5A 1S6.