I agree with Billie that the F-35 platform is superior to other options. I would like to hear a better explanation of what a 'kill switch' concern would entail, such as how early in the development this sort of mechanism would have to be implemented, and how effective rising Trumpism and its isolationist position would be at neutralizing the advantages of the foreign F35 program after the weapons system has entered production. Raises the question, are Trumpists too late to the party to sabotage this particular international military procurement program? I think Billie should drop the GPS analogy when explaining the impact of withholding software updates to the F35. GPS technology has military applications, but it has more gravity as a civilian technology where withdrawal of service would have huge implications for the economy. Trump fears economic backlash more than anything, or so it would seem.... Good transparent approach to the software update issue though, not something to dismiss, but perhaps more of a consideration than a show stopper?
Great discussion Chris and Billie. One of the things that I continually find frustrating is that there is never a debate about equipping Canadian soldiers, sailors and aviators with the best kit. We have some kind of national inferiority complex about whether our military equipment might be too good for our CAF members. Thanks for explaining the F35 for us Billie.
Such concentration of BS...
I agree with Billie that the F-35 platform is superior to other options. I would like to hear a better explanation of what a 'kill switch' concern would entail, such as how early in the development this sort of mechanism would have to be implemented, and how effective rising Trumpism and its isolationist position would be at neutralizing the advantages of the foreign F35 program after the weapons system has entered production. Raises the question, are Trumpists too late to the party to sabotage this particular international military procurement program? I think Billie should drop the GPS analogy when explaining the impact of withholding software updates to the F35. GPS technology has military applications, but it has more gravity as a civilian technology where withdrawal of service would have huge implications for the economy. Trump fears economic backlash more than anything, or so it would seem.... Good transparent approach to the software update issue though, not something to dismiss, but perhaps more of a consideration than a show stopper?
Great discussion Chris and Billie. One of the things that I continually find frustrating is that there is never a debate about equipping Canadian soldiers, sailors and aviators with the best kit. We have some kind of national inferiority complex about whether our military equipment might be too good for our CAF members. Thanks for explaining the F35 for us Billie.