Incidentally connected to my new Substack piece (link below) that covers the history of Canada's F-35 purchase extensively... the Super Hornet line is moving towards a shut down.

With this afternoon’s briefing on the situation in Wainwright, it seems we finally have a broad understanding of what happened, though important details remain uncertain. A fire broke out in the training area at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright during exercises involving the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI). The cause has not been established, but training activity has not been ruled out as a possible ignition source. Rumours that oil or gas infrastructure was involved were specifically refuted. Officials also strongly suggested that no explosion occurred beyond those normally associated with the training underway. That training included live-fire exercises using hand grenades and potentially other explosives. High winds spread the fire, and it appears that many of the casualties occurred when personnel were overtaken by the flames. Major-General Rutland indicated that, when the wind shifted, the fire travelled approximately one kilometre in 30 seconds. Four members of 3 PPCLI are confirmed to have been killed. Premier Smith said that 39 other people are currently in hospital in connection with the incident, including 19 in critical condition. A majority of those injured are reportedly from Charlie Company of 3 PPCLI. I have also seen at least one separate report indicating that one of those hospitalized was from another unit.