Boeing has hit back at reports that its bid to sell F/A-18 Super Hornets to the RCAF doesn’t meet bid requirements with an aggressive advertising campaign that targets alleged shortcomings of the Lockheed Martin F-35. Various media reported this week that the federal government had given Boeing the bad news and also told Lockheed Martin and Saab, which is offering its Gripen, that their bids met the requirements. What, exactly, Boeing fell short with on its bid has not been reported.
In its social media ad campaign launched Friday, Boeing pulls no punches in highlighting the many issues the fifth generation F-35 has faced during its development and deployment. It particularly highlights reported challenges faced by the F-35 in cold weather. Boeing also says operational costs of the Super Hornet are a little more than half those of the F-35 and the acquisition costs are lower. It does not mention the Gripen in its campaign. Canada is expected to pick a replacement for its elderly F/A-18 Hornet fighters next year.