Introduction
A little over a year ago now, I started the gripen4canada blog. What started out as merely a way for me to "vent" over the Canadian CF-18 replacement process became much larger and more popular than I ever anticipated. There is now a corresponding Facebook group with an active membership filled with people much more qualified and talented than myself.
Over the year, the Canadian government has faced increased scrutiny over the purchase and has declared a "reset". It was declared that five fighters would be studied to replace the CF-18, the F-35, the Super Hornet, the Saab Gripen, the Eurofighter Typhoon, and the Dassault Rafale. The F-35 program has had its share of news, as well as its fair share of criticism. Saab, on the other hand, has bowed out of the process, stating that the process is still very much set up to favor the F-35. Dassault has made similar statements, asking the Canadian government to set up an open competition. I couldn't agree more.
Over the last year, I have talked to countless people, hailing from Canada and abroad. Some in the military, others in the aerospace industry, some are just regular Canadians who are concerned about where their tax dollars are going. Not all are fans of the Gripen. Many believe the Super Hornet is a better choice, some believe the Typhoon or Rafale is the way to go. Some have managed to do a very good job of defending the controversial JSF. Others prefer Canada to "step up" and build either an updated or even an all new Arrow.
The need is clear. CANADA MUST DECLARE AN OPEN AND FAIR COMPETITION TO REPLACE THE CF-18.
We need to determine, once and for all, which fighter is best for Canada. If it happens to be the F-35 Lightning II, great; but it should have to prove itself, as would the others. Selecting a fighter strictly on the promise of jobs, "next generation capability" or "stealth" isn't enough. We must find the fighter that works best for Canada.
This is where you come in. Canadians deserve to hear the entire story, not just random opinions and glossy press releases. Canada needs your input. I encourage all of you coming to this site to comment and participate in the discussion. I am also asking you to contribute by submitting your own views, information, and thoughts for posting.
Everyone is welcome here, and is encouraged to support their views. That being said, I must ask the following:
Over the year, the Canadian government has faced increased scrutiny over the purchase and has declared a "reset". It was declared that five fighters would be studied to replace the CF-18, the F-35, the Super Hornet, the Saab Gripen, the Eurofighter Typhoon, and the Dassault Rafale. The F-35 program has had its share of news, as well as its fair share of criticism. Saab, on the other hand, has bowed out of the process, stating that the process is still very much set up to favor the F-35. Dassault has made similar statements, asking the Canadian government to set up an open competition. I couldn't agree more.
Over the last year, I have talked to countless people, hailing from Canada and abroad. Some in the military, others in the aerospace industry, some are just regular Canadians who are concerned about where their tax dollars are going. Not all are fans of the Gripen. Many believe the Super Hornet is a better choice, some believe the Typhoon or Rafale is the way to go. Some have managed to do a very good job of defending the controversial JSF. Others prefer Canada to "step up" and build either an updated or even an all new Arrow.
The need is clear. CANADA MUST DECLARE AN OPEN AND FAIR COMPETITION TO REPLACE THE CF-18.
We need to determine, once and for all, which fighter is best for Canada. If it happens to be the F-35 Lightning II, great; but it should have to prove itself, as would the others. Selecting a fighter strictly on the promise of jobs, "next generation capability" or "stealth" isn't enough. We must find the fighter that works best for Canada.
This is where you come in. Canadians deserve to hear the entire story, not just random opinions and glossy press releases. Canada needs your input. I encourage all of you coming to this site to comment and participate in the discussion. I am also asking you to contribute by submitting your own views, information, and thoughts for posting.
Everyone is welcome here, and is encouraged to support their views. That being said, I must ask the following:
- Be respectful. Not everyone will agree with you, and we all have our views, but everyone's voice should be heard. People also make mistakes from time to time. Berating, trolling, or abuse will not be tolerated.
- This blog is based on a Canadian perspective. Please keep that in mind.
- Voice your opinion, but be prepared to back it up.
- People may not agree with you. That's okay. Agree to disagree.
- All views are welcome here. No matter how realistic or crazy they may seem. Just don't get upset if your crazy idea is called out as such.
I am trying out the Disqus commenting app for this blog, which should allow anyone to comment using a Google+, Facebook, or similar account. It should make commenting fairly easy. Anonymous posting will not be allowed however.
Once again, everyone is encouraged to participate. If you have any questions, articles to submit, or just want to say "hi" please contact me at ravenankh@gmail.com
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