But why couldn't they simply licence build them in Canadair?
Re-read my post.
They
most certainly could have built them (air frames) under license in Cartierville (Canadair). Orenda was already fully tooled for the ""CANPAT" J-79 (OEL-7), as they built many hundreds of these units for the CF-104 program. We already had A/E tech's in sufficient numbers who were fully experienced in servicing the OEL-7.
The avionics may have proven more "challenging" (particularly the SAGE/Genie integration for the NORAD role) but I can't see this as an insurmountable problem, given the tenor of the times.
Rationalizing our fleet at this point (signed contracts in 1969/70) would have:
A- Given us a far superior capability to meet both of the roles that the current (Trudeau) Government was pushing for. Conventional ground support for the "Air Division" in NATO
and a credible force of all-weather fighters (with state of the art radar systems) that could maintain our NORAD commitment.
B- Rationalized the supply/maintenance/technical support needs during this same period. It would have saved hundreds of millions on all of the redundant supply chains that became necessary with the retention of the CF-101/CF-104, and the procurement of the CF-116.
C- Additionally, we could have saved the multi-millions which were historically spent (domestically) by these incompetents, trying to turn the "Zipper" into a conventional ground attack aircraft. Not to mention the idiocy that was the "CF-5" (CF-116). It was a great lead-in trainer. Pretty much useless for anything else.
D- Obviously we must address the "Elephant in the room" when it comes to the F-4E in the NORAD mission. Canada will need to do much more in the way of "tankers" than was historically done for the CF-116. We modified two (of our 5) CC-137's by adding a primitive hose and drogue system (Flight Refueling/UK). This would not be sufficient if we were doing F-4's for NORAD. So add the cost of a half dozen KC-135's into the mix and base them in CYOD.
It's important to note how this (supposed) procurement would impact the RCAF, as we move past Glasnost/Perestroika.
Up to this point (and beyond), Canada will be seen as "pulling it's weight", with a front line force of fighter aircraft that remain relevant throughout the period.
This obviates the CF-188 purchase entirely.
Instead, we
get on the ATF project for the NORAD role (which is entirely credible in TTL).
Our (relatively "young") F-4E air frames continue to receive avionics, nav, and attack system upgrades (HARM capabilities?) and we go to the Gulf in 1990 with some of the most advanced Phantoms available.
By 2005 the the Cold War is long dead.
So is the bulk of our "Phantom" fleet, timed out air frames abound. But remember? We have bought 160 of these and careful fleet management will keep a credible force available for the time being.
At this time we also start seeing our first deliveries of the F-22A; we have agreed to purchase 70 of these to replace the Phantom's in the NORAD mission,
This releases dozens of "low-time" Phantoms to the (by now) "expeditionary" mission.
As the F-4's time out, we negotiate a deal for 80 F-35A's to start entering service by 2019.
If only...