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Boeing back in the fold for Canada fighter competition

written by australianaviation.com.au | March 1, 2018

The Super Hornet looks to be back in the running for Canada’s CF-18 replacement requirement.

In a potential thaw in relations between the Canadian government and Boeing, Canada’s Public Works and Government Services agency has approved the US aerospace giant as a potential bidder for its long-overdue CF-18 Hornet replacement fighter program.
The program has been delayed several times after the Canadian government put on hold its commitment to the F-35 JSF program following the election of the Trudeau government in 2015.
In 2016 the US Government approved a Canadian interim buy of 18 Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets to bolster its CF-18 fleet.
But that process too was cut short after Boeing claimed Canadian manufacturer Bombardier had ‘dumped’ CSeries airliners onto the US market with the aid of Canadian federal and provincial tax subsidies, a claim which was initially upheld by the US Department of Commerce which suggested imposing a nearly 300 per cent tariff on the CSeries.
Following the US Trade Commission’s January decision to dismiss Boeing’s complaint, the Super Hornet is again in contention if Boeing decides to offer a formal bid. Industry observers have speculated that other options include the Saab Gripen E/F, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, and the F-35.
In the interim, Canada is buying 18 ‘classic’ F/A-18As from Australia from early next year, and has remained a partner in the multi-national JSF program pending a final selection being made in 2019.

VIDEO – RCAF CF-18 Hornets at Thule Air Base, Greenland, for Exercise Vigilant Shield.

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Comments (11)

  • Allan

    says:

    Here we go again!

  • PAUL

    says:

    Maybe they should get Rhinos & Growlers with EPE & kick butt….

  • John N

    says:

    Maybe Canada should just stop stuffing around and order the F-35A…..

  • Paul

    says:

    The upgraded Rhino looks great, couple that with Growlers and your looking good!!

  • ngatimozart

    says:

    Dead right John. But unfortunately Canadian defence procurement is at a similar level to India’s..

  • breeder

    says:

    “Maybe Canada should just stop stuffing around and order the F-35A…” because f 35 are expensive and slow junk with wings. Inadequate bomber, barely a fighter and no way an interceptor. a single engined piece of scap.

  • Paul

    says:

    John N, don’t worry mate they will buy the F-35. I promise you on that!

  • Paul

    says:

    Canada, please just bite the bullet and spend the money and just copy the RAAF!!

  • breeder

    says:

    Gripen Es are less than half the cost of Super Hornets and almost a third of the cost for F 35s. AND they are better planes than all of them.

  • Paul

    says:

    Breeder, I would have to say you are wrong there mate( no offence) . Firstly the Gripen has a very small range and its radar is no where near as good as the Rhinos let alone the 35s radar. It would not integrate well with US hardware so that’s another minus. Canada will either have to choose the upgraded supers and purchase Growlers, or the F-35. The Gripen is good don’t get me wrong but would not suit an interception role very well due to Canada’s size and areas that have to be covered. Cheers.

  • Paul

    says:

    What’s the bet that Canada will get the 35! Any bidders?

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