Unlike the indecent fiasco of the replacement of the CF-18 fighters by Ottawa, the recent process of acquiring maritime patrol aircraft – whose fleet is also supremely aging – promised to be simple.
Public Services and Procurement Canada had indicated that only one aircraft on the market met “all the operational requirements” dictated by the country’s security needs: the P-8A Poseidon, built by Boeing.
Did that mean that in this new file, we wouldn’t get our feet stuck in the flowers of the carpet?
Not so fast!
It was not counting that Bombardier was going to raise his hand and answer present. The company offered to modify one of its private jets in the hope of competing with Boeing and winning the generous contract (five billion dollars, at the very least).
The case quickly became more complex. And politicized.
It was even one of the hot topics during the Council of the Federation last week. François Legault used the event to urge Ottawa to launch a tender for the purchase of the planes in question.
We were also treated to a joint statement with the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, Quebec’s main ally in this file.
The two politicians recalled that companies in Quebec and Ontario “generate major spinoffs and strong economic growth locally while promoting innovation and strengthening Canada’s reputation as a leader on the international scene”.
These are, in fact, great reasons to give Bombardier the chance to present its project during a call for tenders.
Last week, the Quebec aircraft manufacturer released a report prepared by PwC to highlight the “economic impacts” of the offer it wishes to make to Ottawa (and to respond to Boeing, which has also promised significant spinoffs if its planes are purchased by Canada).
Bombardier estimates that with this contract, 22,650 jobs would be “supported directly through the supply chain”.
There is more: the company explains that if it were given the chance to develop and build these aircraft, other doors could open later.
There will be other patrol planes to replace around the world and Bombardier might then be in line to obtain some of these contracts.
However, let’s not forget one thing. This is all… in theory.
In practice, it is not certain that Bombardier will be able to meet the needs of our soldiers in a timely manner.
Note that the company has partnered with the defense sector contractor General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada (GDMS-C), which would be responsible for modifying the planes so that they meet Ottawa’s criteria.
Let’s take a very specific example of the challenges this represents: how to equip a Bombardier private jet with the ability to launch torpedoes, one of the essential characteristics sought by the Royal Canadian Air Force?
First, the work required on the device will not be simple. Then, you have to be able to get the green light from the torpedo manufacturer, as well as that from the US government. There is a long way from the cut to the lips.
The aircraft proposed by Boeing would be ready to operate. Not only that, but as it is already used by some of our most loyal allies (including the United States), we would ensure better coordination with their devices.
One can therefore understand the skepticism within the Ministry of Defence, which has been reported in some media reports, regarding Bombardier’s offer.
Especially since Boeing warns that it will not produce the aircraft model that interests Canada indefinitely. Translation: if Ottawa wants to buy it, it’s now or never!
That does not mean that we should put a cross on the idea of a call for tenders that would give Bombardier the chance to compete with Boeing.
But that means that Ottawa must decide quickly and provide everyone with the equivalent of a flight plan in this file, with a precise timetable.
With the idea that the purchase must be done quickly so that the planes are delivered in 2030, the final date for the retirement of the aircraft currently used by Canada.
The federal government has neglected Canadian defense for too long. And if it is true that this file is complex, it is also urgent.
May Ottawa not plunge us back into a nightmare worthy of the saga of the replacement of the CF-18s by the F-35s!