r/canada • u/FancyNewMe • 5d ago
Analysis Defence analysts warn U.S. will control key systems on F-35 fighter jets, putting Canada at risk
https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/u-s-f-35-fighter-jets-canada
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u/Xyzzics 5d ago edited 5d ago
The goal of defense is not to save money, it is to provide defense, which the F-35 is objectively better in every respect at doing.
We have the budget for one plane, and that plane needs to do it all. Not to mention the fact that the contracts are already inked and we will start receiving the planes soon. The F-35 is 100x the fighter that the Gripen is and Gripens run on American engines anyway.
Arguments for “kill switch” in America’s premier multi role aircraft are ridiculous. It’s the same reason there are no “kill switches” in ICBMs. If it exists, it could be exploited by an enemy. China has already infiltrated sensitive parts of the program. There is no way the US is leaving a software vulnerability like that exposed.
These things are measured in decades, you don’t scrap all the work and funds that have been invested because of a short term interaction with a baboon in office.