The CF-18's are older than the pilots flying them!

Yes, there have been upgrades to electronics, etc... but airframes only last so long and the technology leap of other (potential enemy) countries is staggering.

Instead of trying to 'do it on the cheap' and buying 18 SuperHornets -- Canada should buy 40 -- because we don't know for certain WHEN the F-35 will be ready for service at the rate things are going.

We also need recon aircraft that are cheap to operate, easy to repair, and can do dual-duty as trainers for the SuperHornet and the F-35 -- unless the feds cancel the order in the meantime. 

But then, at least, we'd still have 40 SuperHornets plus any still flyable CF-18's -- and that would almost constitute a decent fighter and fighterbomber capability for a country the size of Canada.

A super option for a great (and cheap to operate) recon jet is the Lockheed Martin T50A:
http://lockheedmartin.com/us/products/t50A/in-the-news.html 

Many countries fly the T50A.

Cheers, JBS