In a boost 
to the F-35 strike fighter program, Canada has announced that it will spend approximately $8.5 billion to procure 65 F-35s to replace its CF-18 fighters. First delivery is expected in 2016 as the CF-18s are due to reach the end of their operational service lives by 2020, according to the Canadian National Defence headquarters. “Not only does the F-35 meet all of the Canadian Forces operational requirements for a next generation fighter aircraft, the F-35 offers the best value by providing exceptional capability at the lowest cost with excellent benefits and opportunities for the Canadian defense industry,” stated a National Defence in release Friday. Since 1997, Canada has been a member of the multinational consortium developing the F-35. So far, of the partner nations, only the US has bought F-35 production aircraft. (See also Lockheed Martin release, Fort Worth Star-Telegram report, Reuters news wire service report, and Vancouver Sun report.)
The "Air Force One" replacement will be two to three years late due to pandemic issues, testing, and the loss of a subcontractor on the interior, USAF officials reported at a House Armed Services Committee hearing. They were also warned that some HASC members will insist on a competition for…