In 1979-1980, Canada was looking to buy new fighters to replace its aging CF-104, CF-101 and CF-116 fleet. One of the opportunities that came about through the back door was the purchase of Iran's 79 F-14As. After the Islamic Revolution, the Iranians couldn't get parts for them, and the Canadians offered to buy them for a big discount. That plan ended when Iraq attacked in September 1980 and the Iranians found out about a Canadian diplomat helping US embassy personnel escape from the hostage crisis. The Canadians would up buying the F/A-18, which became the CF-18.
Now, let's say for a minute that Canada was able to buy the F-14s. The F-14s would fill the void of the CF-101 perfectly, as they were designed for the role the Canucks needed under NORAD, which was long-range interceptors.
Now, they would still need multi-role capability, which the US didn't develop for the F-14 until the 1990s. Perhaps the CF Air Command gets the F-14s as interceptors and the CF-18s as multi-role attackers?
And with their air needs covered by the F-14, perhaps the CF-18s go with the troops to the Gulf and Afghanistan?
Now, let's say for a minute that Canada was able to buy the F-14s. The F-14s would fill the void of the CF-101 perfectly, as they were designed for the role the Canucks needed under NORAD, which was long-range interceptors.
Now, they would still need multi-role capability, which the US didn't develop for the F-14 until the 1990s. Perhaps the CF Air Command gets the F-14s as interceptors and the CF-18s as multi-role attackers?
And with their air needs covered by the F-14, perhaps the CF-18s go with the troops to the Gulf and Afghanistan?