Queen’s University defence expert Richard Shimooka is able to discuss recent events surrounding the F-35 fighter jet controversy, like the Finance and Defence committee meetings. This includes the Parliamentary Budget Officer's cost figures and the significance of the Japanese Foreign Military Sales contract.

As a Defence Management Studies research fellow at Queen's, Mr. Shimooka has been researching the F-35 program since 2009 and will publish a report with his findings later this year. His work is heavily based on primary source interviews with individuals involved in the program, both in Canada and abroad. Mr. Shimooka’s main focus is the American and international dimensions of the program and how that relates to the Canadian context. It also draws upon about a decade's work on examining other procurement projects. He is able to put into context the industrial, strategic and financial issues surrounding the F-35 program.

Please note Mr. Shimooka is based in Vancouver and only available for phone interviews on Friday (May 4) and Saturday (May 5).

To arrange an interview, please contact communication officers Michael Onesi (613.533.6000 ext. 77513 or michael.onesi@queensu.ca) or Anne Craig (613-533-2877 or anne.craig.queensu.ca) at Queen’s University News and Media Services Department in Kingston, Ont., Canada.

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