tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32931256.post4586391531014761318..comments2024-03-22T05:20:44.167-07:00Comments on The Disaffected Lib: The Pentagon Re-Thinks the F-35The Mound of Soundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09023839743772372922noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32931256.post-52535516965349817662014-11-04T23:07:57.888-08:002014-11-04T23:07:57.888-08:00It seems an interesting report, and I'd certai...It seems an interesting report, and I'd certainly agree with its criticism of the F-35. But I have my doubts that the report itself is devoid of political spin. It just seems to be working for the drone lobby rather than the expensive-crap-fighter-plane lobby.<br /><br />I mean, would it really be wise to plan on fighting, offensively yet, sophisticated opponents like Russia and China using platforms that are dependent on constant radio contact? I mean, for one thing I doubt there's any way to make the things completely un-hackable. And for another even if they're not hackable, if you're attacking the other guy's turf they're probably jammable. And for a third even if they're very stealthy in themselves, their inability to maintain radio silence is surely a giveaway, no?<br />Not that I mind if the Americans pay top dollar for something that doesn't work, again, as long as we don't have to buy it too. All to the good, really.Purple library guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01930984683714519212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32931256.post-59361054912519057172014-11-04T11:33:03.185-08:002014-11-04T11:33:03.185-08:00As a former, life long Liberal I fully understand,...As a former, life long Liberal I fully understand, Toby. I don't know what either opposition party really stands for these days and I trust neither. The Mound of Soundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09023839743772372922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32931256.post-89981226570088741622014-11-04T11:27:07.698-08:002014-11-04T11:27:07.698-08:00Mound, the reason I come across so negatively may ...Mound, the reason I come across so negatively may have something to do with living in a Conservative riding. Over coffee this morning an old friend repeated an old statement I've been hearing for years. He doesn't like Harper or the crap coming from the Conservative Party and agrees that the local MP is as dumb as road dirt, "<b>but there's nobody else to vote for.</b>" The Liberals and NDP have failed to capture the public imagination. Tobynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32931256.post-46867076689876396542014-11-04T10:12:07.211-08:002014-11-04T10:12:07.211-08:00As I mentioned, Toby, the F-35 is a political deci...As I mentioned, Toby, the F-35 is a political decision. It's seen as a gesture of loyalty to Washington and our admission ticket to America's Aerial Foreign Legion.<br /><br />The latest report merely underlines the flawed nature of the F-35 and that it's time to look for alternatives.<br /><br />As for securing the West Coast, our fighter assets are too minimal to maintain a ready force on the Pacific or Atlantic coasts. The only credible threat we face would be to the north. That's also were the weaknesses of the F-35 are greatest.The Mound of Soundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09023839743772372922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32931256.post-73921617375653817982014-11-04T09:18:29.962-08:002014-11-04T09:18:29.962-08:00The F35 is essentially a first strike weapon. So,...The F35 is essentially a first strike weapon. So, who does Harper want to first strike against? <br /><br />What Canada's military needs is useful planes, helicopters and boats capable of patrolling and defending our coasts and borders. A couple of years ago a suspect airliner approached our west coast and the Americans had to scramble a couple of Tomcats to escort the airliner into Vancouver because Canada does not have the ability. Recently a Russian freighter had to be rescued and towed to safety by an American tug because Canada can't do it. <br /><br />Tobynoreply@blogger.com