Canada’s F-35s: Engines not included

More trouble for Canada's controversial F-35 purchase: New documents have revealed that the purchase price for Canada's F-35s do not include that for the F-35's Pratt and Whitney engines, which have to be purchased separately. Canada's F-35 purchase is already under fire due mainly to the costs involved.

UK, Canada offer aircraft to enforce Libyan no-fly zone

In a swift response to UNSC Resolution 1973, Britain has said it will send Typhoon and Tornado fighter jets to help enforce a no-fly zone over Libya. The move follows Canada's pledging six CF-18s for the enforcement action, joining Denmark who has already pledged its F-16s.

Canada F-35 cost estimate soars 66%: Independent analysis

A report issued by the Canadian Parliamentary Budget Office predicts Canada's planned fleet of 65 F-35As will be at least 66% more expensive to buy and operate over a 30-year lifespan than government officials have estimated. The newest figures makes assumptions that may not happen, possibly driving costs up further.

Canada's F-35As need refueling probe or new tanker; drag chutes

More woes for Canada's F-35s; Canadian press reports that the F-35s bought by the current government is unsuitable for RCAF use without modifications to its in-flight refueling systems and may require the addition of drag chutes for short field use.

Canadian C-130J arrives in Afghanistan

On budget and ahead of schedule, Canada's first C-130J has arrived in Afghanistan to support Canadian forces in-theater. The aircraft was only delivered in early June 2010 from Lockheed-Martin.

Canadians trained RAAF Heron crew

It has been reported in the Canadian press that Royal Canadian Air Force personnel trained their Australian counterparts on the finer points of operating the Heron UAV. The training was carried out on leased RCAF UAVs and took place in Alberta, Canada and on operational missions in Afghanistan.

Another Canadian Hornet crashes; pilot safe

A Canadian CF-18 Hornet fighter jet has crashed in a field northwest of CFB Cold Lake, Canada. The pilot succssfully eejcted. This is the second crash of a CF-18 this year, following one at an airshow practice in July.

Canadian Forces release Hornet crash report

The Canadian Armed Forces have released an initial report on the crash of an RCAF CF-18A Hornet during an airshow practice in July. An unexplained loss of thrust in the starboard engine was the primary factor and further investigation will try to determine the root cause.

Snowbirds Celebrate 40 Years of Flight

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds Demonstration Team is marking its 40th Anniversary with performances at the airbase at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The Snowbirds perform with 9 CT-114 Tutor trainers and during the 2010 show season the team completed 60 performances at 35 different locations around North America

Canadians perplexted by Chinook downing

An investigation by Canada has still not determined what brought down a Canadian forces Chinooks in Afghanistan in August. Eight of the 21 crew and passengers aboard the aircraft sustained minor injuries.

Canada announces F-35 basing

Canada has announced that the RCAF is planning to base its recently purchased F-35 Lightning II JSFs at CFBs Bagotville and Cold Lake. The RCAF has ordered sixty-five of the aircraft.

Canadian Chief of Air Force defends F-35 purchase

Lt.-Gen. Andre Deschamps, the chief of the RCAF, has defended the government's decision to buy 65 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, a move which has generated a lot of controversy in Canada.

Russia, NORAD shadow jet in Pacific hijack drill

The Russian Air Force and NORAD have held their first ever joint exercise. Codenamed Vigilant Eagle, the participants practiced the command and control and escort of a hijacked airliner.

Being in the right place at the right time

Ian Martens, the news photographer who caught the recent RCAF Hornet crash has said that it was "one of the most unforgettable moments of my entire career".

Canadian Hornet crashes; pilot ejects

A Canadian CF-18 has crashed at the Alberta International Airshow. The pilot has safely ejected with seconds to spare.

UPDATE: MSNBC has higher res photos on their Photoblog.

Canada formally commits to buy 65 F-35s

Flightglobal has reported that the Canadian government has commited to buy 65 F-35 JSFs with planned delivery in 2016.