Trouble is that the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II continues to experience developmental problems even as it is in Initial operational Capability status. Its cost are shrinking, but its main opponent Boeing F-18 E/F (now called the Super Hornet Block III ) has successfully offered new capability on its plane for a cheaper price. If the government buys the SH as an interim purchase, the questions are whether it is the Block II with lesser capability (to save money) and whether it would force Canada to operate a mixed fleet. If the answer to the latter is no, then Canada has 'wasted' precious money on a short term solution or it effectively eliminates the possibility of an open competition. But you are right. The government should know by now what kind of missions we would fly and what our priorities should be e.g. NORAD over NATO, air superiority over close air support, etc.

We should get on with the job sooner as Canada also needs to address our other RCAF and RCN needs.