LOCKHEED MARTIN VISIT DUTCH AIRBASE

A team of experts from the US aerospace company Lockheed Martin visited a Dutch air base last month to determine what changes are needed if the company's new fighter jets are to use the base in the future. The visit could be seen as controversial because the Dutch government has not yet formally made a decision on which jet will replace its current F-16s. Parliament is to debate the issue on Thursday evening.

The defense ministry has not reported the visit of the Americans to parliament. This was not necessary, said a ministry spokeswoman, because the Dutch are involved in the actual development of the JSF. "That implies that we have more contact with the Americans than other contenders." read more (nrc.nl)

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November 3, 2008