2025 Canadian Political Thread

[licks2nite]

“51st State”, Déjà Vu

Ultimately what is at stake is that beneath the rhetoric, Canada will cease to function as a sovereign Nation:
-Its borders will be controlled by US officials and confidential information on Canadians will be shared with Homeland Security.
-US troops and Special Forces will be able to enter Canada as a result of a binational arrangement.
-Canadian citizens can be arrested by US officials, acting on behalf of their Canadian counterparts and vice versa.

https://www.globalresearch.ca/canad...ardy-the-militarization-of-north-america/6572

"Vice versa"? The cross border shopping adventures now extend to sleuthing. Americans can come up to Canada and nail Chinese drug triads for fentanyl, methamphetamine shipments to the States. I don't favour the situation. I'd rather Canadian law didn't make internal investigations so difficult by informing suspects of being under investigation.

 

[licks2nite]

Latest: Paccar Inc. truck plant in Quebec manufacturing Kenworth and Peterbuilt trucks cutting back production from 96 to 18 units to just fill Canadian orders and avoid 25% tariff on exports to the US. Looking as if NAFTA and CUSMA agreements dead in the water for any renegotiation next year. Declare national emergency, Mr.Carney. Partner with Canadian firms to produce what Canadians consume. Canada stands to lose much more than 1.7% of GDP without innovation.

 

[80watts]

Swedish Saab JAS 39 Grippen
View attachment 140262
Lougheed Martin F35 Lightning

The F-35 is a technologically superior fifth-generation stealth fighter designed for air dominance in contested environments, while the Gripen E is a lighter, more affordable multi-role fighter better suited for nations with smaller budgets or limited infrastructure, excelling in agility and dispersed operations. The choice depends on a nation's specific needs, as the F-35 offers maximum situational awareness and stealth, whereas the Gripen provides a cost-effective, highly maneuverable option for air policing and patrolling, especially in challenging environments like the Arctic.
F-35 Advantages
• Stealth:
Its primary advantage is advanced stealth technology, making it very difficult to detect and target.
• Sensor Fusion & Situational Awareness:
The F-35 integrates advanced sensors to create a comprehensive, unified picture for the pilot, offering superior situational awareness.
• Networked Warfare:
It excels at seamlessly integrating with other F-35 flying nations, promoting deterrence and enabling collaborative operations.
• High-Threat Environments:
It is designed to penetrate and dominate contested airspace, making it ideal for high-intensity conflicts.
Gripen E Advantages
• Cost-Effectiveness:
The Gripen is significantly cheaper to acquire and operate than the F-35, making it a more viable option for many countries.
• Agility and Maneuverability:
Its delta wing and canard design provide excellent maneuverability, making it highly agile in the air.
• Versatility and Dispersed Operations:
The Gripen can operate from austere airfields and stretches of public roads, offering great flexibility for dispersed operations, particularly in challenging locations.
• High Service Availability:
It has very low maintenance requirements and high service availability compared to the F-35.
Key Differences
• Stealth vs. Maneuverability:
The F-35 is a stealth-focused aircraft, while the Gripen prioritizes agility and electronic warfare capabilities.
• Situational Awareness:
The F-35's sensor fusion capabilities provide unparalleled situational awareness, a significant advantage over the Gripen.
• Internal vs. External Stores:
The F-35 carries its weapons internally to maintain its stealth profile, whereas the Gripen carries most of its stores externally, increasing its radar cross-section.



Each F35 costs between $115 million to $140 million Cdn. Contains about $3.2 million Cdn worth of parts. Grippen one-sixth as much with 80% of the capabilities. Possibility of Grippen construction in Canada. F35 at most 2.8% Canadian made components. US$35,000 per hour to operate F-35. The Grippen operating cost about $5000 per hour. For all the far reaching integrated sensors, the F35 doesn't know what's on screen without costly mission data updates involving ground based intelligence to make identifications. Meant for penetrating active war zones. F-35 stealth width optimally of a bumblebee when not degraded or deteriorated. Canada committed to purchasing 16 F35s with option of another 72. I think Canada should stop here and say hello to the versatile agile Grippen E. F35 contractors in Canada may continue to bid.

I would go for the Gripen because Canada is cold and the maintenance is easier on the Gripen.
The reality says get both. 50 F-35 and 200 Gripen.

 

[Neelsmith1234]

I would go for the Gripen because Canada is cold and the maintenance is easier on the Gripen.
The reality says get both. 50 F-35 and 200 Gripen.

I would stay away from the f-35 for the biggest reason that we would be completely reliant on the US for spare parts and maintenance components and the US also has the ability to ground any aircraft with remote software kills.

Go with the Gripen and explore other next gen aircraft options. I believe Europe and India are working on a next gen stealth fighter. Maybe, such a fighter is not even needed if drones can fill their utility for a fraction of the price.

 

[licks2nite]

The F-35:
Doubt Canadians interested in spending billions to penetrate live active war zones. The expensive stealth capabilities, in reality would likely be left to deteriorate as unnecessary in the Canadian environment unless you're overseas getting into a war your own allies started. Gripen E, you rock! Explore the next generation of aircraft.