MSOCS,
Doesn't change the rationale or validity of arguments as to why the contracts should be re-competed, without Canada, should that country decide to buy a 4th Gen jet off the shelf that will last a few more years than the venerable CF-18.
Canada never has had a signed contract to buy F-35s, only an "intent" to buy. The $800M+ positioning of F-35 component manufacturing in Canada was just the typical "carrot and stick" enticement by LM. As far as contract renegotiations with other country participants should Canada back out, as I see it, that is a strictly a "LM proceed at your own company's risk" as LM seems in charge of US DoD F-35 procurement contracts. Personally, I think the whole partnering arrangement on the F-35 is like none other that have successfully happened in the past. The F-35 arrangement is putting the cart in front of the horse, typical when the supplier calls the shots of contract arrangements.