A long-awaited market analysis into which fighter jet could replace the CF-18s tells the Harper government it can postpone a decision and keep flying the current fleet until 2025, but it will cost roughly $400 million..
The report by a panel of independent experts, part of a package of documents put before the federal cabinet last summer, warns that the aging jets should not be flown much past that date because that would pose an unacceptable, costly risk.
All of the research was done to help the Harper government decide whether to continue with the oft-maligned F-35 stealth fighter program, or hold an open competition.
"No decision has been made on the purchase of replacements for the CF-18s," Public Works Minister Diane Finley told the Commons prior to the release of both the panel report and an annual assessment of the cost of the F-35.
Earlier this year, Defence Minister Rob Nicholson's office announced the CF-18s would get life extension upgrades to keep them flying for another 11 years, but his department released no details on cost or risks.
The panel's analysis, which looked at four different fighter jets, found each is equally capable of meeting Canada's future needs, although both the Harper government and the air force have insisted for years that the F-35 was the only choice to replace the CF-18s.
Unlikely Canada will face state-to-state conflict: report
There is a caveat in the review, however, which suggests the suitability depends on the kind of missions the government expects the planes to perform.
The report suggested it's unlikely Canada will face a state-to-state conflict in the future — one where a cutting-edge jet would make the difference — and even if it did "the government is not obliged to undertake such a mission."
Keeping the current fleet in service and avoiding a political firestorm in the run-up to the next year's election seems to be the Conservative strategy, but the report is explicit on the risks. [...]
