4 ms·
Your last point is probably true for domestic missions. However, Canada has also deployed the CF-18s in missions abroad, most recently (?) against ISIS in Iraq
by MegaDeKay 5y ago
Your last point is probably true for domestic missions. However, Canada has also deployed the CF-18s in missions abroad, most recently (?) against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/cf-18-hornets-1.1003648 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/cf-18-hornets-1.1003648
- sudosysgen 5y agoThe CF-18s were also deployed in Yougoslavia and Serbia IIRC. For the very basic and extremely infrequent strike missions that they are used for, the CF-18s and the F-18s we got from Australia will realistically be enough.
- nickff 5y agoThe problem with the Australian ones is that they're old and worn out, so they're very expensive and unreliable to operate. Those planes are approaching their fatigue limits, and they're not going to become more reliable.
- sudosysgen 5y agoYes that's true, but the F35 is not exactly cheap to maintain either at 42 000$ per flight hour and the air-frames themselves are basically free and can be cannibalized.
- nickff 5y agoI completely agree, but if Canada is unwilling to spend the money to buy and maintain a capable and reliable fighter, it may be better-off without any. The F-18A/B is just an antiquated platform, parts are getting hard to come by, and the main wing spars will need to be replaced.
- throwawaymanbot 5y agoThe electronics suite on the F-18 A/B is not antiquated. Particularly on the Growler variant.