While the Rafale is a beautiful fighter, only 101 have been built, which makes spares more expensive. As well, the F/A-18E/F is currently cheaper by flyaway costs, as well as Canada already having similar maintenance regimes, simulators etc for the F/A-18A which would make it easier to transfer all the support to an aircraft that is based on what we already have. As well, we can purchase the F-35 when it matures and wire the F/A-18Fs as E/A-18Gs allowing us to have further electronic warfare capabilities. It is also important to note that the U.S. Armed Forces operate the F/A-18 Super Hornet making it easier for Canada to train and support the Super Hornets.