Canada snubs Boeing, unveils plan to buy used Australian jets
13.12.2017
The Trudeau government is escalating a trade fight with Boeing, ditching plans to buy 18 Super Hornets while launching a search for new fighter jets under parameters that could hamper future bids from the U.S. plane maker.
Canada said Tuesday it would instead pursue plans to buy 18 used Australian F-18 fighter jets to supplement its aging fleet, and launched the process to buy 88 new jets as a long-term replacement. Officials didn't specify a purchase price or maintenance cost for the Australian jets. The purchase needs approval from the U.S. government.
Canada Cancels F-35 Order To Buy This Fighter Instead
Cold Turkey.
The F-35 brought in a lot of prospective customers upon its initial announcement. The fifth-generation stealth jet has many complications that have prevented it from becoming combat-ready. After years of setbacks, technical problems, and missed deadlines, Canada has become the first nation to cancel their order and purchase F-18 Hornets instead.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement that the Canadian Government will instead purchase F-18s from Boeing. The Royal Canadian Air Force currently uses F-18 fighters that have been in use since the early 80s and is eager to modernize their aircraft. Purchasing these 18 fighters will allow Canada to retire the oldest fighters in their fleet now that they have a suitable replacement...
This news comes as another blow to Lockheed-Martin’s F-35 program which has cost more than $1.5 trillion in development costs...
