DUTCH F-16 FIGHTER PLANES READY FOR SCRAPHEAP?

The Dutch Ministry of Defence's plan to replace its F-16 fighter planes by 2014 is premature, according to research carried out at Leiden University by Bert Kreemers. Kreemers, a former Defence Ministry spokesman, says that given the planes' generally accepted lifespan of 6000 flight hours, and that they are used for 175 hours or less per year, most of the fighters can remain in service until at least 2020. The oldest ones date back to 1984. Other countries are assuming an 8000-hour lifespan for the plane, suggesting that the Dutch defence forces could retain this jet fighter even longer, Kreemers told NOS Radio.

Last December, Deputy Minister of Defence Jack de Vries warned parliament that maintenance costs for the ageing F-16s will increase sharply by 2015, and ruled out the possibility that keeping the machines after 2021 would be a viable option.

Last week Swedish sources say that aircraft constructor SAAB can deliver the Gripen C/D fighter jet for billions of Euros cheaper than the Joint Strike Fighter from American constructor Lockheed Martin. Before the end of April the Lower House will have to approve the purchase of the two first JSF’s, so the Dutch can join the test program in the US. The definitive decision of the acquisition of 85 JSF fighter planes will be taken in 2010. read more (radionetherlands.nl)

NEW DISCUSSION ABOUT DUTCH FIGHTER PLANES read more (nrc.nl)DEFENCE MINISTRY TO INFORM PARLIAMENT BETTER ABOUT JSF
read more (expatica.com)

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February 16, 2009