Dutch look to downsize JSF order

Published: Oct 25, 2005
Source: www.flightinternational.com



Development delays and a perceived lack of industrial return are prompting the Netherlands to consider buying only half the originally intended number of Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighters.

The Dutch military’s original plans initially called for placing a single order for 85 aircraft, but this number may be split into batches, with the latter half to be decided later, says secretary of defence Cees van der Knaap.

The US-led Joint Programme Office (JPO) admits the shift in procurement thinking for the JSF programme’s third-largest financial partner, but remains hopeful of maintaining the full order eventually. “The Dutch are exploring the feasibility of purchasing their Joint Strike Fighters in two batches. For planning purposes the Dutch intend to procure as many as 85 jets once they have completed their downselect process,” the JPO says.

Meanwhile, the nine-nation JSF partnership is negotiating a new memorandum of understanding for the production, sustainment and follow-on development phase, spanning the next 30-40 years of the programme.

A second round of negotiations will be held in early December, with the goal to have a draft memorandum of understanding ready to be reviewed by partner countries starting in 2006. The partners are expected to sign a final document in December 2006.continue..