Let the best fighter jet win

Viewpoint: Toronto Star (excerpted) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government is still falling short of his promise to hold an “open and transparent” competition to find the best fighter jet to fit Canada’s needs. But it is, at least, exploring options and consulting with allies and aircraft makers.

The previous Conservative government had proposed to buy Lockheed Martin’s F-35 — a choice vigorously opposed by the Liberals. As recently as last month, Trudeau said this plane “does not work and is far from working.”

Comments like that, and the government’s retreat from holding an open competition, have produced mounting concern that Ottawa is bent on purchasing the Boeing Super Hornet, rather than the F-35, even if it means proceeding with undue haste and through a sole-source contract. Now the government has committed to a procurement process that allows for some comparison of rival brands. It’s a step forward — but not far enough. Canada’s military and experts from various federal ministries will meet with aircraft makers over the summer to assess their offerings. Canadian officials will also consult our allies, several of which have already opted for the F-35, to discuss what they’ve experienced.

It would be unfortunate if all this was simply window-dressing to obscure a choice that has already been made for political purposes. Trudeau seems determined not to accept the F-35 championed by his predecessor, Stephen Harper. But it may well prove the best plane. Billions of dollars are at stake, as well as an obligation to properly equip the men and women serving in our air force. Their interest will be served only if the coming consultations are conducted in an unbiased manner, according to a set of fair and realistic requirements drafted to reflect Canada’s genuine needs.

Unfortunately, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan was unable to provide the kind of details that would boost confidence that this will happen. He needs to do a better job of convincing Canadians that what’s underway is, in fact, an even-handed process. To that end, the Liberals’ initial promise of a fair and transparent competition to find the best plane is still the best way to proceed.