Posted on 07/15/2010 10:13:23 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
The Canadian government is expected to announce on Friday that it will buy 65 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin.
The announcement of a multibillion-dollar commitment by a foreign government would be a big boost for the jet program, which has been plagued with delays and substantial price increases. It is also being made without bids from other manufacturers.
But long before any announcement was imminent, the purchase became politically controversial in Canada. On Thursday, the Liberal Party said that it would oppose the purchase. An alliance of opposition parties could stall or block the deal.
“I’m not suggesting that this may not be the best fighter aircraft for the Canadian forces,” said Ujjal Dosanjh, a Liberal member of Parliament responsible for defense issues. “But we don’t know that without going through a process.”
“It’s nice to have the latest and the greatest, said Jack Harris of the New Democratic Party. “But do we need that to protect our country? We’re not, as we were in the cold war, facing off against the Soviet military.”
The offices of Stephen Harper, the prime minister, and Peter MacKay, the defense minister, did not respond to requests for comment.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
Ping
Then what are the hurdles? Makes no sense unless there are problems with either production or capability...
The hurdles is in their own government. The Liberal Party has threatented to pull the plug on the puchase. Its in the article.
Well, figures that is political! Guess they are not interested in the best - just politics. Geez, when will out allies get a grip...
Canadian politics is “interesting”.
Yes, unfortunately, they are Global bound and will not authorize anything that is possibly against the global thought process... Too bad that...
Heh...Actually, it is very interesting... They seem to go along with Global politics rather that US Politics (not always bad)... but that does mean that some things are verboten...
Too Complex
Too Expensive
Too Few
To Win
The Chineese will do to the West what the Allies did to Germany.. The German Super Tiger Tank could defeat 25 M4 Shermans at one time.. The US just made sure 26 were on hand and defeated the Super Tiger Tank instead.
If stuff starts blowing up around a Chineese Facility they will simply detonate .2KT nuclear devices from 10,000 ft up
Blind our pilots.. distroy our electronics.. all without ever seeing the aircraft.
W
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