F/A-18 Hornet has been on going for years now. But after this recent crash.
Should retirement be a option?
The RCAF in Canada plans to phase out the F/A 18 by 2017-2020. Only 103 remain active today with only 79 upgraded F/A-18A/B aircraft still operational. The new JSF-35 is Canada's official choice to replace its Hornet. It is estimated that Canada's contribution in development and involvement will exceed C$ 550 million about even with the USD investment. Meanwhile in Australia it is a different case, who plans to purchase 24 Super Hornets as gap filler. However Australia's involvement in the F-35 Lightning II program have been mired in controversy. Amid criticisms that the F-35A will (1) be unable to compete with proliferating SU-30 family fighters in the region, (2) lack the range or response time that Australia requires, and (3) be both late and very expensive during early production year