Holland to Participate in F-35 IOT&E Phase; Intends to Buy 2 Test Articles

Published: Feb 29, 2008
Source: www.mindef.nl



The Dutch Parlement has announced it intends to participate in the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) phase of the F-35 Lightning II program. In a letter to the House of Representatives, the Minister of Defense writes a decision has been made to sign the MoU and that later this year two test aircraft will be ordered.

This means a delay of several months for the Dutch MoD as the original plan was to have the IOT&E MoU signed in 2007. The Minister writes negotiations with the USA took longer than expected, causing this delay.

By an agreement with the US, both the Netherlands and Italy can each take an option to buy one aircraft, so both nations can participate in the IOT&E phase. Originally, at least two aircraft had to be ordered by a partner before it could join the IOT&E program. For Holland, the delay in the program made it impossible to order both test aircraft in 2007, threatening the country's ability to participate in the IOT&E program in 2011. The option on the first aircraft has to be exercised by May 31st. The second aircraft will be ordered in the second half of this year. However, a final decision for the acquisition for both aircraft will be made in 2009.

During the IOT&E phase, 24 test aircraft will perform 1,500+ test flights from 2011 to 2013. It's goal is to determine if the F-35 performs according to the operational demands. Additionaly the program will develop tactics and concepts on how to operate the aircraft.

The total costs of the Dutch JSF-program have increased by 206 million Euros because of a delay in the overall JSF program. The Dutch DoD now estimates its JSF-program will cost 5.667 Billion Euros. The final decision to buy the intended 85 F-35A fighters will be made in 2010.

(statement & letter to the House of Representatives were issued in Dutch only)
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