Now that the trade issue between Bombardier and Boeing is over, should Canada begin the process to purchase New CF-18's and not buy Old ones? Better yet , in light of recent events in the Middle East ,they are now shooting down each others aircraft, and countries like Japan may begin to re-arm, Iran is having greater influence in the region, should Canada be buying the best plane available the F-35? Soft power has little effect unless countries like Canada can back it up. See the Economist Magazine Jan/Feb 2018 cover story the Next War. Grey zone power is a new term for advanced hacking and disruption that leaves no trace of origin. There are many new technology weapons that might make the F-18 a poor choice unless it is for electronic counter measures and guiding other planes into battle spaces.