A comprehensive discussion on the F-35 as Canada’s only real option for its new fighter — from two fighter pilots and leaders in Canadian aerospace, whose history spans bringing the CF-18 into service decades ago through the entire F-35 saga, reinforcing what the Government of Canada has declared regarding the new fighter choice.
Both originally CF-104 single-seat fighter pilots, they carry the wisdom of a single-fleet philosophy from the days when Canada flew three single-role fighter jets, and both were present for the introduction of the CF-18.
The Honorable Laurie Hawn— one of the three original CF-18 pilots over four decades ago and my CF-18 instructor on Course 1 — went on to lead a squadron, champion a new fighter as a Member of Parliament, and remain a stalwart supporter of the RCAF possessing a first-world fighter capability.
Dave Jurkowski, alongside a stellar RCAF career, observed the absolute requirement for front-line, first-strike combat capability firsthand — as a one-star general at NDHQ while I commanded the CF-18 force in combat during NATO’s Operation Allied Force over Kosovo and Serbia.
Both have seen firsthand the benefit to Canadian aerospace industry from joining the Joint Strike Fighter program early, reaping two decades of high-tech development within the franchise.
Many comment on the fighter file.
Few have the credibility to back it up. These two do — their essay is worth reading.
Recent Comments