The U.S. Navy variant of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the F-35C, conducts a test flight over the Chesapeake Bay.
Canadian Military Would Need To Outsource Refueling for F-35s -- Defense News
VICTORIA, British Columbia — Canada will rely on either private companies or its allies for midair refueling if it decides to purchase F-35 Joint Strike Fighters to replace its CF-18 fighter aircraft.
But critics and analysts say the decision raises key issues about Canadian sovereignty and military capabilities.
Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND) will not comment on the plan, but confirmation of the decision is contained in a brief passage in a government-ordered audit of Canada’s proposed F-35 buy. The 30-page audit by KMPG noted the cost of modifying the F-35s so they can be refueled in midair by Canadian aircraft is not included in the overall price tag of the fighter program because DND will not proceed with that option.
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My Comment: The range of the F-35 is approximately 1,200 - 1,400 kilometers (the combat range is half of this). The arctic is a massive area to patrol .... so yes .... refueling will be essential. Fuel is expensive .... and to not have that in the operational budget for the F-35 is raising a few eyebrows in Ottawa.