Despite efforts to resurrect a competition, Canada may wind up reaffirming its first choice: a $41.4 billion purchase of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, by the end of June. Since December 2012, the Canadian government's quest to replace its aging fleet of 77 Boeing CF-18 Hornets has been on hold. The CF-18s could be extended out to the 2030s but will become increasingly difficult to sustain. With the help of an independent review panel, the government has been studying three options: purchasing the Lockheed Martin F-35s, holding a new competition or doing nothing. The panel's job is to ensure that government analysts fairly evaluate the four aircraft under consideration: the F-35, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Euro-fighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale. Results will be reported soon to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
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