Internationale fighter ontwikkelingen

[Harald]

Spain launches Halcon II follow-on buy of Eurofighter combat aircraft

Spain has officially launched its anticipated Halcon II follow-on buy of Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft, budgetary documents released by the government show.

Published by the Council of Ministers on 12 September, the documents say that 25 additional Eurofighters (designated C.16 in national service) will be acquired to replace the Boeing EF-18 Hornet (C.15M) aircraft that the Spanish Air Force (Ejército del Aire Español: EdAE) is decommissioning from 2030.

"The C.15M aircraft fleet is currently about to begin the process of decommissioning, scheduled for around 2030, so it is necessary to replace it. This requires the acquisition of 25 new EF2000 [Eurofighter] aircraft, engines, and associated mission support systems," the council said. A Eurofighter spokesperson confirmed to Janes that this represents the launch of the Halcon II procurement rather than an expansion of the previous Halcon I buy of 20 aircraft.

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/defence/latest/spain-launches-halcon-ii-follow-on-buy-of-eurofighter-combat-aircraft

[Sparkplug]

Lockheed Martin And Slovak Republic Minister Of Defence Unveil Country's First F-16 Block 70 Aircraft

GREENVILLE, S.C, Sept. 7, 2023 – The first F-16 Block 70 aircraft for the Slovak Republic was unveiled at Lockheed Martin's (NYSE: LMT) facility in Greenville, South Carolina, during a visit from the country's Minister of Defence, Martin Sklenár.

The Slovak Republic will be the first European country to receive this newest and most capable version of the Fighting Falcon. The F-16 Block 70 aircraft will deliver decades of 21st Century Security capabilities in support of the Slovak Republic's national security. 

"These F-16s will enable the Slovak Air Force to stay ahead of threats in the region, and be part of the allied mission in Europe, NATO and around the world," said OJ Sanchez, vice president, Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin. "This jet represents the strong partnership between Lockheed Martin, the United States, the Slovak Republic and allies."

This F-16 Block 70 jet is the first of 14 to be delivered to the Slovak Republic.

About the F-16

The F-16 is a strategic and valuable choice for many customers around the world seeking advanced fighter aircraft capabilities, regional and worldwide partnerships, and affordable lifecycle costs. More than 3,100 F-16s are operating today in 25 countries. The F-16 has flown an estimated 19.5 million flight hours and at least 13 million sorties. Today's latest version, the Block 70/72, offers unparalleled capabilities and will be flown by six countries and counting.

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 116,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Please follow @LMNews on Twitter for the latest announcements and news across the corporation.


Minister of Defence of the Slovak Republic Martin Sklenár (left) and Vice President of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin OJ Sanchez (right)


This F-16 Block 70 jet is the first of 14 to be delivered to the Slovak Republic.

https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2023-09-07-Lockheed-Martin-and-Slovak-Republic-Minister-of-Defence-Unveil-Countrys-First-F-16-Block-70-Aircraft#assets_all

[Sparkplug]

Lockheed Martin Statement: First TR-3 Delivery

SEPTEMBER 06, 2023

We have updated our F-35 TR-3 schedule projections with a first TR-3 aircraft delivery between April and June 2024. As a result, we now expect to deliver 97 aircraft in 2023, all in the TR-2 configuration. We are producing F-35s at a rate of 156 per year and expect to continue at that pace while simultaneously working to finalize TR-3 software development and testing. Additionally, we remain focused on receiving the necessary hardware from our suppliers to deliver this critical combat capability for the F-35.

https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/news/statements-speeches/2023/lockheed-martin-first-TR-3-delivery.html

[Harald]

extra info :

Boeing offers F-15EX for Poland, but details are scant

Boeing declined to talk about "price and delivery schedule" on a potential F-15EX sale to Warsaw, but clearly has high hopes for Poland as a market.

Boeing today announced it is actively seeking to sell its F-15EX fighter aircraft to Poland — but for now, both sides are keeping their cards close to their chest.

Boeing held a Thursday press conference at the annual MSPO defense trade exhibition, although offered little in the way of details about what a potential F-15EX buy would look like.

Rob Novotny, director of business development for Boeing's F-15 program, declined to talk about "price and delivery schedule" for the American firm's offering to Warsaw. He also acknowledged that "there is no negotiations and no contract talks, only some conversations with Polish Air Force."

.../...

https://breakingdefense.com/2023/09/boeing-offers-f-15ex-for-poland-but-details-are-scant/

[Lynxian]

Hoe duur is een oorlog?

Kan zijn dat ze de F16's op termijn doorschuiven naar Oekraïne.

Dat is geen slechte gedachte. Dan houden ze F35 en F15EX over voor hun hoofdmacht en de FA-50GF voor het opleiden van de vele piloten die ze nodig gaan hebben.

[Enforcer]

Maar kun je deze mix met 4 vliegtuigtypen wel betalen, onderhouden ?

De defensie investeringen van Polen zit op ca. 4% ! dat is nog meer dan de Amerikanen

Hoe duur is een oorlog?

Kan zijn dat ze de F16's op termijn doorschuiven naar Oekraïne.

[Harald]

De interesse voor de F-15EX begint te groeien ! Indonesië, Polen

Voor de Polen snap ik wel de interesse, de Mig-29 en de SU-22 willen ze vervangen, met de F-15EX hebben ze een hele goede mix, namelijk F-15EX, F-35A, F-16C/D en FA-50GF.
Maar kun je deze mix met 4 vliegtuigtypen wel betalen, onderhouden ?

De defensie investeringen van Polen zit op ca. 4% ! dat is nog meer dan de Amerikanen


https://www.thedrive.com/uploads/2023/09/07/nato-defense-spending-by-percent-of-gdp.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&quality=70&width=1440

[Parera]

Poland Eyeing F-15EX Buy Amid Weapons Buying Spree

Poland has an active interest in buying F-15EX Eagle II fighters, according to the jet's manufacturer Boeing. This announcement comes amid continued uncertainty about the U.S. Air Force's F-15EX plans and a massive Polish defense spending spree that has already included the purchase of new combat aircraft.

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/poland-eyeing-f-15ex-buy-amid-weapons-buying-spree

[Sparkplug]

Lockheed Martin delays F-35 deliveries further because of TR-3 issues

07 SEPTEMBER 2023

by Gareth Jennings

Lockheed Martin has had to delay again the delivery of Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3)-standard F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft to international customers as it looks to finalise software developments.

The manufacturer announced the move on 6 September, saying that TR-2 configuration aircraft will continue to be delivered as planned.

"We have updated our F-35 TR-3 schedule projections with a first TR-3 aircraft delivery between April and June 2024. As a result, we now expect to deliver 97 aircraft in 2023, all in the TR-2 configuration. We are producing F-35s at a rate of 156 per year and expect to continue at that pace while simultaneously working to finalise TR-3 software development and testing," Lockheed Martin said. "Additionally, we remain focused on receiving the necessary hardware from our suppliers to deliver this critical combat capability for the F-35," the company added.

News of the extended delay of TR-3 deliveries through to the second quarter of 2024 came weeks after the company had to trim its planned delivery rate for 2023 from 147–153 aircraft down to 100–120 aircraft, also because of delays in developing the TR-3 upgrade.

Up to that announcement in mid-July, Lockheed Martin had delivered 50 TR-2 jets to customers. It said at that time that it "remained fully dedicated" to delivering its first TR-3 aircraft in 2023. The company noted that it had not changed its expectation that annual deliveries will increase to 156 F-35s in 2025 and "the foreseeable future". Lockheed Martin delivered 141 F-35s in 2022. It is unclear if this latest delay will impact this expectation.

Already a Janes subscriber? Read the full article via the Client Login

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/lockheed-martin-delays-f-35-deliveries-further-because-of-tr-3-issues

Lockheed Martin trims F-35 jet delivery outlook after supplier delays

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/lockheed-martin-trims-f-35-jet-delivery-outlook-2023-09-06/

[Sparkplug]

US Navy F/A-XX programme

PUBLISHED: 05 SEPTEMBER 2023   LAST UPDATED: 05 SEPTEMBER 2023

The US Department of the Navy stated that three US aerospace defense contractors are competing to build the US Navy's Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) strike fighter aircraft, known as the F/A-XX. The contractors are Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.

The Department also stated that Pratt & Whitney and GE Aerospace are the engine competitors.

The F/A-XX programme has now entered the next phase, from the Concept Refinement Phase to the Design Maturation Phase. The idea of crewed and uncrewed variants is still open, it might even become a mix.

The F/A-XX will replace the current fleet of F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornets, which are already showing their age.

According to a Congressional Budget Office report, the Super Hornet is deteriorating faster than the fleet of classic F/A-18A/B/C/D Hornets which the service used before. The faster wear and tear even results in lower availability rates for the Super Hornets versus its predecessor compared to similiar age.

Replacement of the Super Hornets is planned to start from 2030.


Photo by Marco Dijkshoorn (Scramble Archive)

https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/us-navy-f-a-xx-programme

[Harald]

Japan Britain and Italy forge tri-nation partnership for next-generation air-to-air missile

Japan has initiated a joint project with NATO members Britain and Italy to develop a new generation of air-to-air missile for upcoming fighter jets. This collaboration is set against the backdrop of increasing global security issues, such as Russia's activities in Ukraine and China's military expansion.

The primary objective of this tri-nation collaboration is to engineer a new air-to-air missile. Initial studies by Japan and Britain suggest that the missile in development could offer enhanced performance at a potentially lower cost compared to the existing Meteor missile. The Meteor program itself is a significant European defense collaboration involving six countries, including Britain and Italy. Unlike conventional air-to-air missiles, the Meteor utilizes a ramjet to maintain thrust at speeds exceeding Mach 4, thereby increasing its range and effectiveness. It is currently compatible with Europe's frontline fighter aircraft such as the Gripen, the Eurofighter Typhoon II, and the Rafale.

The new missile inspired by the Meteor and expected by Japan, is currently in the design phase and aims to incorporate advanced radar and other systems. It is expected to be capable of receiving targeting information from multiple platforms, including drones and airborne early warning and control aircraft.

Key features under consideration include advanced radar systems for improved target detection, seamless integration with other military assets like drones, and the utilization of gallium nitride semiconductors to enhance radar performance. Additionally, a new engine is under development to increase the missile's range and speed. The missile is also anticipated to be compatible with Japan's future 6th-generation fighter jets, although specific technical details are yet to be finalized.

This missile development is part of a broader defense strategy that also includes the creation of a 6th-generation aircraft. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is the primary developer of this new aircraft, unofficially known as the F-X or F-3. BAE Systems is actively participating in this project, which aims to replace Japan's aging fleet of Mitsubishi F-2 jets by the mid-2030s.

Initially, Japan and Britain had laid out plans to jointly develop next-generation fighter jets with stealth capabilities and drone coordination technology. Italy later joined the effort, making it a tri-nation initiative. Lockheed Martin Corp. from the United States was initially considered for technical support but was ultimately not chosen due to confidentiality concerns related to defense and security information.

With the initiation of this next-generation air-to-air missile project, the collaboration between Japan, Britain, and Italy appears to be oriented toward long-term engagement. This tri-nation partnership extends beyond a single project and could potentially encompass future technological developments in defense. The alliance reflects a mutual interest among the three countries in addressing global security concerns through cooperative efforts. As such, the collaboration is expected to continue, given the shared objectives in the evolving landscape of international security

https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2023-news-aviation-aerospace/august/9186-japan-britain-and-italy-forge-tri-nation-partnership-for-next-generation-air-to-air-missile.html

[jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)]

U.S. Navy's F/A-XX in Design Maturation, Competing Companies Announced

https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/us-navys-fa-xx-design-maturation-competing-companies

[Harald]

https://gagadget.com/nl/299717-saoedi-arabie-koopt-mogelijk-100-200-franse-rafale-gevechtsvliegtuigen-omdat-duitsland-leveringen-van-eurofighter-typhoon/

Saoedi-Arabië koopt mogelijk 100-200 Franse Rafale-gevechtsvliegtuigen omdat Duitsland leveringen van Eurofighter Typhoon blokkeert

Saoedi-Arabië heeft problemen met het bestellen van Eurofighter Typhoon gevechtsvliegtuigen. Daarom stapt het koninkrijk mogelijk over op de Franse Dassault Rafale straaljagers.

Dit is wat we weten
Het Verenigd Koninkrijk wil Eurofighter Typhoon-gevechtsvliegtuigen van de vierde generatie verkopen aan Saoedi-Arabië. Maar vanwege de oorlog in Jemen en de moord op journalist Jamal Khashoggi blokkeert Duitsland de deal.

In dit verband overwegen de autoriteiten van de grootste staat op het Arabische schiereiland de aankoop van Franse Rafale gevechtsvliegtuigen. Op dit moment heeft de Koninklijke Saoedische Luchtmacht meer dan honderd Eurofighter Typhoon en F-15SA Eagle vliegtuigen.

Het koninkrijk is terughoudend om Amerikaanse gevechtsvliegtuigen te bestellen vanwege de niet al te beste betrekkingen met de VS. De regering vreest dat Amerika in de toekomst de levering van vliegtuigen of onderdelen voor hen zal blokkeren.

Daarom valt de keuze op de Franse Rafale. Volgens La Tribune overweegt Saoedi-Arabië om 100-200 gevechtsvliegtuigen te kopen.

[Harald]

https://www.defensenews.com/global/the-americas/2023/08/23/brazil-to-double-air-fleet-as-part-of-106-billion-investment/

Brazil to double air fleet as part of $10.6 billion investment

Brazil plans to invest 52.8 billion reals (U.S. $10.6 billion) for research, development and equipment acquisition efforts for its military, including nearly doubling the size of its Gripen fighter fleet and financing projects by local aircraft manufacturer Embraer for aerial refueling planes, the government announced earlier this month.

[Harald]

https://gagadget.com/nl/299367-indonesie-is-van-plan-om-24-gemoderniseerde-f-15ex-eagle-ii-gevechtsvliegtuigen-te-kopen-voor-een-bedrag-van-80-106-miljo/

Indonesië is van plan om 24 gemoderniseerde F-15EX Eagle II gevechtsvliegtuigen te kopen voor een bedrag van $ 80-106 miljoen