Until there is a decision on the Dutch F-16 replacement, the two new F-35s they have bought will be put in storage.
As an aside, these are early development aircraft without the TR2 hardware needed to drive Block 3 software. Also, because of the limited testing, these aircraft could possess any number of other mistakes in the design which will need fixes.
9 comments:
So... Basically they are saving money by skipping the messy "operational" stage and have instead put the aircraft straight into mothball.
Genius!
Bodes well for future purchase as this one seems to have gone really well....
This is what happened when you get talked into purchasing something off the brochure, un tested and un proven. Must have been a good sales pitch!
Guys, relax.
It's not about actually putting these aircraft into 9G action or something.. C'mon.
Who cares about spending already sunk cash -- only to put jets in storage. Let's face it.
It's about jobs and what industry can do for the economy in times such as these, when every job counts, no matter the cost.
Stay the course.
Next...
Doug stated it perfectly. Just skip pretending that that the F-35 is an operational aircraft and put them directly in storage!
Hey, even better why don't just sell them to the local air museum with an appropriate banner to match:
http://www.despair.com/give-up.html
Hi Cocidius
That's a good idea sell the F-35 to the local air museum or to the DoD with an appropriate "Give Up" banner.
Well said Doug. I rather shred the F-35, instead of mothballing it.
Well Anonymous; if the Australian defence budget stays about where it is - which I think is very adequate if the major political parties have the fortitude to curtail squandering of what is a pretty high percentage of government revenue - there will be need to put a whole bunch of questionable value assets into storage because they cost too much to operate.
Think Tiger, MRH90, MH-60R and then ask why perfectly good upgradable platforms have been/will be shed that have much lower operating costs.
I cannot abide the industry subsidisation/job creation catchcry at the expense of maintaining credible military preparedness, which taxpayers are entitled to expect. Present Australian defence planning is just a huge charade.
Useless F-35 in storage. Joke of the year imo. I am from Holland and anyone who still thinks we should buy more soon and in the process destroy our defenceforces should have their head examined.
The solution has been around for years. Buy around 60 Gripen-Ng that fit in the current budget and dump the F-35. Oh forgot not even the Usa wants them back lol.
Hi Vince
The Dutch Government should in fact consider more alternatives of the new F-16E/F Block 60 or Block 62 before the production line ceases around in 2016. Or consider the Typhoon or the Rafale.
They already said the door is open.
"In an interview, Hennis-Plasschaert said that her office was open for all interested manufacturers. This would enable Boeing to promote the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Saab the Gripen E, although neither Dassault nor the Eurofighter consortium have confirmed whether they will offer their respective Rafale and Typhoon products in advance of a formal competitive process being launched"
Gonne be intresting end of this year. One thing is sure tho, the two coalition partners that form the current goverment really want this hot topic solved.
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