Dear editor,

Bob Mortimer is hiding under the flag when he criticizes anyone who opposes the purchase of the F-35 as showing disdain for the Canadian Forces.

The latest cost projection shows that each fighter will cost $375 million over the aircraft's lifetime. See Google. When I questioned representatives of our Conservative MP about  why we needed them, all  they could say was "just in case."

They had no idea of in "case of what." I have no disdain for the air force as Mr. Mortimer might suggest. I was a fighter pilot for eight years in our air force.

As for  the purchase of these aircraft after "analysis by professional military and civilian members of the Department of National Defence," were these not many of the same people who recommended the purchased of the four diesel subs from the UK?

Who amongst us would even purchase a new or used car before test driving one. That would be irresponsible.

Sherwin Harris,

Comox