Internationale fighter ontwikkelingen

[pz]

Sweden Preparing For Future Combat Aircraft Studies

LE BOURGET—Sweden's defense materiel agency FMV is awaiting political approval to begin studies into a new-generation combat aircraft beyond the new Saab Gripen E.



The studies, to be carried out by the FMV, are due to get underway in the near future. They will primarily be a fact-finding effort and involve discussions with other air forces, an examination of other national programs and exploring the capabilities of national industry, Brigadier General Lars Helmrich, the director of the Air and Space Systems Division at Sweden's FMV, told journalists during the annual gathering of the Swedish Air Force Fan Club on the eve of the Paris Air Show.

"It's not about procurement of the sixth generation, it is about asking the question about how we procure it," Helmrich said.

Helmrich said it was too early to discuss any potential outcomes of the studies but noted that Sweden's combat aircraft requirements were "out of sync" with the efforts of Italy, Japan and the UK's Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) and those of France, Germany and Spain's Future Combat Air System (FCAS), because Sweden had already invested in the development and procurement of the Gripen E platform. Helmrich also noted that both crewed combat aircraft set to emerge from FCAS and GCAP are twin-engine and too large to fit around Sweden's doctrine of dispersed basing to improve survivability. Both the GCAP and FCAS manned fighters are expected to be at least a third larger and heavier than the aircraft they will go on to replace.

It is likely that any Swedish future combat aircraft would likely first replace the Gripen C/D models which the Swedish Air Force is extending the life of to give it more mass in the face of the regional security situation following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The upgraded Gripen C/Ds will be expected to operate well into the 2030s.

Alternatively, the FCAS studies could conclude that Sweden purchases more Gripen Es in the future, Helmrich suggested, which would help Sweden and Saab preserve its combat aircraft development capability.

The new studies come after Sweden elected not to pursue continued involvement in the UK's future fighter effort which evolved and expanded into GCAP, although Helmrich suggested there was still a "political arrangement" and "sharing of information" in place. This appears to confirm statements made by Saab's CEO, Micael Johansson who has previously described Sweden's relationship with the program as a "sort of hibernation," remaining part of the program, but not actively involved.

Helmrich, and air chief Maj. Gen. Jonas Wikman were reluctant to discuss details of the Gripen C/D upgrade program, for which Saab was awarded study contracts worth SEK3.5 billion ($340 million) in April. Helmrich did say that the program would remove obsolescence from the Gripen C/D's nervous system and upgrade the mechanically scanned radar, but not add an active electronically scanned array such as that developed by Saab for the platform. Wikman said the Swedish air force would be strengthened by the upgraded Gripen C/Ds which would act as a fourth-generation platform to the fifth-generation capabilities provided by the more advanced Gripen E.

"With two different versions, that gives us the possibility to combine fourth-generation capabilities and fifth-generation capabilities, enhancing our strength from different platforms," Wikman said.

https://aviationweek.com/shownews/paris-air-show/sweden-preparing-future-combat-aircraft-studies

[Harald]

Spanish Navy eagerly awaiting decision on purchase of F-35B fighter-bombers

In Opex360, Laurent Lagneau reminds us that the Spanish Navy (Flotilla de Aeronaves, FLOAN) has been equipped with AV-8B Harrier II fighter-bombers for nearly 40 years. Currently, there are 13 aircraft in service with the 9th Aeronautical Squadron, which operates from the amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos I. Their retirement is planned for around 2030, with maintenance assured until 2028.

Although these aircraft have been modernized since their introduction, including being upgraded to the EAV-8B+ Matador II standard between 1996 and 2003, they will soon reach the end of their operational life. However, at the moment, no decision has been made regarding their potential replacement. This is causing concern for Captain José Emilio Regodón Gómez, the commander of FLOAN.

So far, the only decisions made by the Spanish government regarding FLOAN have involved ordering new MH-60R and H135 helicopters (NH-90 in transport version) and notifying Airbus of a new contract for the operational maintenance of its aircraft, including the AV-8B Harrier II.

To replace its combat aircraft, FLOAN has limited options, with the only suitable option being the Lockheed Martin F-35B, specifically the STOVL (Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing) version of the fighter-bomber. However, the cost of these aircraft and the potential political implications of the decision have delayed the acquisition. Captain Gómez believes that the indecision has gone on for long enough. Furthermore, he argues that not replacing the Harrier II would pose a problem since such carrier-based fighter-bombers are the only ones capable of effectively supporting amphibious operations or naval forces.

https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2023-news-aviation-aerospace/october/9332-spanish-navy-eagerly-awaiting-decision-on-purchase-of-f-35b-fighter-bombers.html

[Huzaar1]

Verzamel ze allemaal.

[Harald]

Saudi Arabia considers purchasing French Dassault Rafale jets

Saudi Arabia is considering the purchase of 54 multi-role Dassault Rafale fighter jets from France, marking what could be the kingdom's first-ever acquisition of a French combat aircraft. According to reports from the French financial newspaper La Tribune, Riyadh has officially requested a complete quote from Dassault Aviation and has set a deadline of November 10 for the company's response.

.../...

https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2023-news-aviation-aerospace/october/9313-saudi-arabia-considers-purchasing-french-dassault-rafale-jets.html

[Sparkplug]

Welk aanbod van de VS?

Dit loopt al sinds zeker begin augustus.

Argentina gets closer to US green light for F-16 and P-3 deals

Published: 09 August 2023    Last Updated: 09 August 2023

Argentina is one step closer in obtaining a new fighter jet, after numerous attempts, facing financial problems and boycots from the United Kingdom.

The Biden administration recently asked the US Congress to approve the sale of former Flyvevåbnet (RDAF, Royal Danish Air Force) F-16s for possible export to Argentina. This permission is required because of the contract F-16 users have with the United States. The value of the 38 F-16s involved, up to six F-16 Block 10 and up to 32 F-16 Block 15 variant, is USD 339 million.

Along with this requested permission, a positive decision on the four Luftforsvaret (RNoAF, Royal Norwegian Air Force) P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft was also asked. This is valued at around USD 108 million.

Next steps after Congress grants permission will be to work out the details, formalising the contracts and finding the millions to pay for all of this. Scramble Magazine suspects that the United Kingdom will urge Denmark not to go through with this deal. But maybe the US have finally also convinced the UK that their worries over the Falkland Islands do not merit driving Argentina into China's arms, the latter country being willing to provide JF-17 fighters.

https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/argentina-gets-closer-to-us-green-light-for-f-16-and-p-3-deals

[Huzaar1]

Welk aanbod van de VS?

[Harald]

U.S. clears transfer of 24 F-16s to Argentina

The U.S. State Department has cleared the transfer of 24 F-16s from Denmark to Argentina. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Security in the State Department, Mira Resnick, delivered the letter approving the transfer to Jorge Argüello, Argentina's ambassador to United States on Oct. 11.

Also cleared was the transfer of four P-3 maritime patrol aircraft from Norway to Argentina. The Argentinian government will now have to decide whether to accept the offer from the United States.

https://alert5.com/2023/10/12/u-s-clears-transfer-of-24-f-16s-to-argentina/

[Sparkplug]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5zvgaLW0AAlqGz?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

Rendering van Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) ... mooie plaat !

Zeker. Vraag mij af wat de omvang van dit type zal worden. SCAF wordt bijvoorbeeld duidelijk groter dan de Eurofighter Typhoon en de Rafale.

[Harald]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5zvgaLW0AAlqGz?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

Rendering van Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) ... mooie plaat !

[Sparkplug]

New Acquisition Report: F-15EX Unit Cost Will Be $94 Million

Oct. 3, 2023 | By John A. Tirpak

The F-15EX Eagle II unit cost will be $93.95 million per plane in then-year dollars, assuming the Air Force sticks with its plan to buy 104 of the fighters and Congress concurs, the service said in its most recent annual Selected Acquisition Report.

.../...

https://www.airandspaceforces.com/new-acquisition-report-f-15ex-unit-cost/

[Sparkplug]

F-35 program finishes years-late tests needed for full production

By Stephen Losey  Friday, Sep 29

WASHINGTON — The F-35 program has completed a long-delayed series of crucial tests, which could pave the way for a decision next year to officially move the advanced fighter jet into full-rate production.

The Joint Simulation Environment tests, known as "runs for score," were finished Sept. 21, as was the initial trial validation, F-35 Joint Program Office spokesman Russell Goemaere said in an email to Defense News Friday.

.../...

https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/09/29/f-35-program-finishes-years-late-tests-needed-for-full-production/

[Ace1]

[Harald]

Japan Prepares For F-35B Carrier Operations

As the first batch of Japanese F-35Bs should arrive in country next year, Japan is also planning on setting up new key units and facilities in preparation for their arrival and to support its future carrier operations...

.../...

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/10/japan-prepares-for-f-35b-carrier-operations/

[Stoonbrace]

En dat geeft exact duiding aan de cijfers, die indien deze naar rato worden gerangschikt aantonen dat een dergelijke conclusie als door stoonbrace getrokken onjuist is.

Ik denk dat een A-10 achtig toestel zijn tijd heeft gehad. CAS rol zie ik over worden genomen door drones. Overlevingkansen zijn niet groot voor traag vliegende objecten.

Je CAS toestel moet niet traag vliegen als het z'n doelwitten niet eerst met een verrekijker moet uitzoeken om er vervolgens met een kanon op te schieten. Maak ook even verschil tussen CAS in expeditionaire Ops waarbij je een goedkope lange loitering time wil (en UAS dus het antwoord zijn) en een conventioneel conflict met contested airspace waarbij je alle kwaliteiten van de F-35 zal nodig hebben om überhaupt vuursteun te kunnen geven.

[Sparkplug]

Czech government approves F-35A Lightning II purchase

PUBLISHED: 02 OCTOBER 2023   LAST UPDATED: 02 OCTOBER 2023

The Czech Government has approved the acquisition of 24 F-35 Lightning II fighters. The contract, which also includes ground equipment, weapons package and a simulator, has a total value of USD 4,6 billion (106 billion Czech Crowns) with deliveries planned from 2031.

Caslav air base will be the main operating base for the F-35s and for that reason the base will be renovated for a total of USD 1,9 billion (44 billion Czech Crowns).

The decision to acquire the F-35s means that the fourteen leased Saab JAS39 Gripens, twelve JAS39C single-seat and two JAS39D two-seat fighters, need to serve until 2035, when the transition to the F-35 is due to be completed.

Defense minister Jana Černochová said "The cost is a high price to pay but insisted it represents just 7.5% of upcoming defense spending between 2024 and 2034. Other projects such as the recapitalization of army mechanized brigades will not be threatened by the F-35 purchase. The Government already has fourteen industrial cooperation projects ready for the Czech industry following negotiations with Lockheed Martin and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney. They include the possibility of direct involvement in the global supply chain for F-35 aircraft".

https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/czech-government-approves-f-35a-lightning-ii-purchase