Fighter replacement homework done: panel

By Murray Brewster, The Canadian Press

OTTAWA - Federal officials sought to demonstrate Thursday how much work has been done to replace Canada's aging CF-18 jets, but say the details of the evaluation will be kept secret while cabinet weighs whether to continue with the oft-maligned F-35 program.

Members of an independent panel that looked at what fighter aircraft are available as replacements for the 30-year-old Hornets made a public appearance to emphasize the depth and impartiality of their assessment, 14 months in the making.

That analysis, which essentially fact-checks the air force's market evaluation, has been turned over to the government. It lays out what each of the four contenders can do.

Separately, a committee of deputy ministers overseeing the replacement program has handed a recommendation to the Harper cabinet.

The government could continue with the F-35 program, which has been on hold. It could choose an open competition involving the stealth fighter and other aircraft, including the Boeing Super Hornet, Eurofighter's Typhoon, Dassault's Rafale, and possibly the Saab Gripen.

Rewriting the air force's statement of requirements, which critics say was rigged in favour of the F-35, is another possibility and one that could postpone a replacement decision.

No timeline was given, but government insiders said Thursday a substantive decision was expected soon.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper told the House of Commons that the government found the report "helpful" and restated earlier pledges to make a decision in the best long-term interest of the military.

In April 2012, auditor general Michael Ferguson slammed the Harper government's plan to buy 65 stealth jets, accusing Public Works and National Defence of low-balling the cost and not doing their homework.

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Fighter replacement homework done: panel