After ruling out the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet last fall as a possible replacement for the aging CF-18s, the Liberals now appear to be leaving the door open to the controversial jet. YURI GRIPAS / REUTERS FILE PHOTO
It’s controversial, costly and, now it seems, back on Ottawa’s radar as a possible pick for Canada’s air force.
OTTAWA—It’s controversial, costly and apparently back on Ottawa’s radar as a possible pick for Canada’s air force.
After ruling out the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet last fall as a possible replacement for the aging CF-18s, the Liberals now appear to be leaving the door open after all.
Speaking at a defence conference in Ottawa Thursday, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan was asked pointblank whether the F-35 would be considered in the competition to replace the current fleet of fighters.
Sajjan pointedly did not rule out the possibility, saying the selection process will be “open.”
“The real issue here is we want to make sure that we replace the F-18 and have a suitable aircraft that meets the needs of Canada. That’s what we’re committed to do,” Sajjan said.
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Update #1: Harjit Sajjan backs away from election promise on F-35 jets (Global)
Update #2: F-35s won’t be excluded from fighter jet replacement: Sajjan -- iPolitics
Update #3: F-35 Likely to Compete in Canada’s Upcoming Fighter Contest: Bogdan (DoD Buzz)
WNU editor: So much for election promises.