Canadian F-35 selection process did not consider alternatives

The Canadian DND never did a proper selection process for the F-35. Other than making up a rigged requirement that ruled out anything else based on nothing more than a table exercise and marketing spin from Lockheed Martin--the maker of the jet--DND was irresponsible.

The U.S. Navy is the official U.S. government representative for the Super Hornet Block II when briefing classified performance data. They never gave the DND a full-up briefing on the aircraft's capability.

"I am not suggesting that even with this data, the F-18 Super Hornet could best meet Canada’s needs. I am saying that the military’s claim to have conducted a rigourous comparison of all alternatives is blatantly false. It is also quite possible that the military did not have all the necessary data from other potential suppliers."

I am guessing part of that is how the APG-79 angled in the nose along with RCS reduction methods, defensive jamming and minimal armament, give the aircraft some advantage in lowering the probability of kill (PK) of enemy radar-homing air-to-air missiles with a nose-on BVR shot. That along with the whole IDECM suite on the aircraft are something that exists today.

There is other F-35 risk. Industry and jobs may be in peril. With high F-35 production figures MIA, I wonder how many investors have put up for Canadian companies? Will they end up like this?

Everywhere one looks, the selection process for the F-35 has a distinctly bad smell. As things unravel, it will get worse.