Internationale fighter ontwikkelingen

[Harald]

Saab pledges major investment if Gripen E wins IAF deal

Saab has pledged to support the development in India of a "future-ready aerospace ecosystem" if its Gripen E multirole combat aircraft is selected to meet an Indian Air Force (IAF) requirement for single-engine fighters.

In comments to IHS Jane's on 13 December, Jan Widerström, Saab India Technologies' chairman and managing director, confirmed that Saab recently responded to the Indian government's request for information to support the procurement programme.

Saab is understood to be challenging for the contract against Lockheed Martin, which is offering the latest version of its F-16 Fighting Falcon. The deal is framed around a requirement for localised production and could be worth about USD12 billion as the IAF looks to procure up to 150 aircraft to replace its ageing Russian MiG-21 and MiG-27 fighter aircraft.

Widerström said, "We formally responded to the Indian government in October, expressing our willingness to manufacture Gripen E in India, in line with the 'Make in India' vision. Our aim is to work closely with Indian industry to develop the world's most advanced fighter aircraft, and a complete future-ready aerospace ecosystem in India in the coming years."

Widerström explained that Saab's proposal includes the establishment in India of a modern facility that is fully capable of developing and producing advanced fighter aircraft.

"We have a blueprint for a comprehensive 'Make in India' programme for the Gripen E, which includes the setting up of a full manufacturing facility, at par with our Gripen E facility in Sweden," he said. "[It also includes] transfers of technology, the setting up of an aerospace ecosystem, the development of a local supplier base, and employment of a well-trained workforce."

Widerström added, "We're not looking at this as component production or the transfer of an old assembly line. We will build a full spectrum of capabilities in India.

http://www.janes.com/article/66248/saab-pledges-major-investment-if-gripen-e-wins-iaf-deal

[StrataNL]

Gripen E Taxi testing:

[Harald]

USAF Says 30-Year Old F-15E Still Relevant, Still Current

Strike Eagle Still Soars After 30 Years

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AFB, N.C. --- The U.S. Air Force considers the F-15E Strike Eagle to be one of the most proficient multi-role, air-to-air and air-to-ground strike fighters active today since its maiden flight Dec. 11, 1986.

On its 30th anniversary, after flying thousands of missions during worldwide combat operations, the aging F-15E is still relevant and capable of supporting current combatant commander's requirements.

The F-15E was designed as a fighter and bomber aircraft with a back seat for a second crew member to operate a ground attack weapons delivery system. The cockpit contains the latest advanced avionics, controls and displays. The redesigned airframe was built with a stronger structure allowing heavier takeoff weights and doubled the original F-15 Eagle's service life.

Advanced technology and avionics assist the F-15E to fly day or night at low altitudes and in all weather conditions. The jet can also carry nearly every air-to-ground weapon in the Air Force arsenal, including AIM-7F/M Sparrows, AIM-9M Sidewinders and AIM-120 advanced medium range air-to-air missiles.

"The way the F-15E is built is a huge reason why it's such a respected and capable aircraft," said Maj. Michael Jokhy, 335th Fighter Squadron assistant director of operations. "The F-15E Strike Eagle can hold a lot more gas and weapons than other multi-role aircraft in our inventory."

The extra fuel allows the Strike Eagle to stay where it's needed longer, providing more life-saving close-air-support. Additionally, Jokhy said the extra weapons the Strike Eagle can carry are a great safeguard and reminds the enemies of the U.S. who has the world's most dominant airpower.

An F-15E from the then 335th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, destroyed an Iraqi Mi-24 Hind helicopter with a laser-guided bomb during Operation Desert Storm in the early 1990s. The F-15E also flew into enemy territory multiple times while under heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire and demolished Scud missile sites proving its air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities.

The F-15E was the only fighter able to attack ground targets around the clock, in all weather conditions during the 1990s Balkan conflict.

The U.S. Air Force currently has 219 F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft, mainly utilized for close air support during operations.

According to the Department of Defense, as of Dec. 2, U.S. and coalition aircraft have conducted more than 16,592 strikes in Iraq and Syria in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. The Strike Eagle has contributed to destroying or damaging more than 31,900 targets as part of OIR, further degrading and defeating the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

The 335th and 336th Fighter Squadrons and maintenance units frequently deploy to areas of responsibility in Southwest Asia to aid with the DOD's lines of effort which include providing military support to our partners, impeding the flow of foreign fighters, stopping ISIL's finanacing and funding and exposing ISIL's true nature.

During the 335th Fighter Squadron's most recent deployment, F-15E Strike Eagle pilots and weapons systems officers flew more than 9,250 combat hours, dropped more than 2,000 bombs and killed more than 80 high-value ISIL individuals.

To further enhance the already devastating capability of the F-15E Strike Eagle, the jets at Seymour Johnson are currently receiving upgrades through Boeing Co.'s Radar Modernization Program.

"We're doing [the upgrade] on all of the F-15E models," said Jonathan Pierce, Boeing Co. F-15E site lead. "This radar update is going to drastically improve the aircraft's air-to-air and air-to-ground radar, making it significantly more capable."

The old legacy APG-70 mechanically-scanned radar is being replaced with a new active electronically-scanned radar system, APG-82. It's designed to retain functionality of the old legacy radar system while providing expanded mission employment capabilities.

"What I'm most looking forward to with the modification is that it will be more in line with what other fighters have across the combat Air Force," said Capt. Bryan Hladik, 336th FS pilot. "The upgraded radar will further enhance our abilities to target [ISIL] through the weather. On days that visual acquisition of the target is not possible due to clouds, we will be able to take precise air-to-ground maps and target [Joint Direct Attack Munition] with a very high level of accuracy."

Col. Christopher Sage, 4th Fighter Wing commander, believes the F-15E is an imperative part to the Air Force mission and the future of combat air power.

"On its 30th anniversary, the F-15E is still a phenomenal and capable war-fighting machine. It controls the sky and dominates the ground," said Sage. "It's an important piece of equipment our Air Force uses to maintain air superiority in support of global operations and national defense."


(EDITOR'S NOTE:  The fact that the US Air Force considers the F-15E to be "still relevant and still capable of supporting current combatant commander's requirements" is particularly timely.
The Congressional Budget Office's reported Dec 8 that stopping F-35 procurement and instead buying the same number of the latest F-16 and F-18 variants would save up to $29 billion over the next ten years.
Given that the F-15s are also being upgraded with AESA radars and other improvements, the rationale for buying the full number of F-35s escapes the CBO – and many others.)

http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/179518/usaf-says-30_year-old-f_15e-still-relevant%2C-still-current.html

[Sparkplug]

Bulgaria seeks to buy eight fighter jets

Industrials | Fri Dec 9, 2016 | 11:53am EST

Dec 9 Bulgaria plans to spend about 1.5 billion levs ($808.63 million)on eight new or second-hand jet fighters and has asked Italy, Portugal, the United States and Sweden to make offers to supply them, the defence ministry said on Friday.

The fighter jets would replace Bulgaria's ageing Soviet-designed MiG-29 fighters and would improve the Balkan country's compliance with NATO standards and reduce its reliance on Russian-made aircraft.

The Bulgarian parliament has approved the plans and some funds for the deal have been set aside in the 2017 budget.

"The ministers of defence and the economy have signed a request for proposals for the delivery of multipurpose jet fighters," the defence ministry said in a statement.

Sofia will choose between new Gripen jets from Sweden's SAAB and second-hand U.S. F-16 from Portugal, equipped with U.S. weaponry. Another option is to buy second-hand Eurofighter Typhoon fighters from Italy.

A source familiar with the process told Reuters EU and NATO member Bulgaria would give the four countries three months to reply.

The deal would have to be approved by a new government that is likely to be formed after elections that are expected in the spring following the resignation of the country's centre-right government last month.

Bulgaria signed a deal last year with NATO member Poland for repairs of the MiG-29 fighters. In November, the country signed a deal with a Bulgarian company to supply it with four new and six repaired Russian engines for the aircraft. ($1 = 1.8550 leva) (Reporting by Tsvetelia Tsolova. Editing by Jane Merriman)

http://www.reuters.com/article/bulgaria-defence-jets-idUSL5N1E44J4?rpc=401&;

[Sparkplug]

The "Adir" Has Landed

Nevatim Air Base, Israel // December 12, 2016

Today, December 12, 2016, the first pair of "Adir" (F-35I) stealth fighters landed in their new home, Nevatim AFB. The landing ceremony, which was slightly delayed due to heavy fog in Italy and American safety protocols, was attended by the PM of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, the President of Israel Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin, the Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, the Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot, IAF Commander Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel, heads of the involved military industries, the United States Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, U.S Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro, the President of "Lockheed Martin" Marillyn Hewson and delegates from around the world.



Read the full article on IAF.org.

"Today, the fifth generation revolution begins. The 'Adir' is about to become a powerful accelerator for the entire IAF", said Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel, IAF Commander. "We plan on leveraging our systemic abilities to new heights in attack and defense. Our aerial force will be much deadlier, combined and more relevant than ever".

"The 'Adir' (F-35I) stealth fighters and pilots will be able to operate in every arena, near and far" said the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. "Our goal is to obtain supremacy in every theatre: in the air, in the sea, on the ground and in the cyber arena. We build our force and sharpen our abilities in defense, attack, deterrence and decision. The 'Adir' jets will strengthen these abilities".

https://www.f35.com/news/detail/the-adir-has-landed

[jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)]

The APG-83 provides F-16s with 5th Generation fighter radar capabilities by leveraging hardware and software commonality with F-22 and F-35 AESA radars.

Leuk en aardig maar dat veranderd niets of niet veel aan de het F35 programma, hooguit dat een aantal additionele kisten worden aangeschaft die dan in mindering op het programma worden gebracht.

Ik begrijp dat F35 tegenstanders deze ene Trump tweet als strohalm proberen te omarmen en misschien heeft het zelfs een effect... maar daar blijft het vermoedelijk dan ook bij.

[Ace1]

Gaat niet gebeuren... los van het feit dat aan Inda al de block 70 wordt aangeboden met daarnaast de diverse volgende generatie concepten die in de RFI status zijn.

Gevolg van de Trump tweet van vandaag: Leuk om LM onder druk te zetten om de prijs verder te laten dalen en in het ergste geval een x-aantal kisten minder me als grootste risico model de C.

Ook Trump zal deze kist voor de Amerikanen niet om zeep kunnen/willen helpen er is immers geen serieus alternatief en de militaire- en economische belangen zijn te groot.

Het heropenen van de F22 lijn zal jaren kosten (is tegenwoordig niet meer geheel kansloos) en de volgende generatie laat nog 20 jaar op zich wachten.

The APG-83 provides F-16s with 5th Generation fighter radar capabilities by leveraging hardware and software commonality with F-22 and F-35 AESA radars.

http://lockheedmartin.com/us/news/features/2016/Meet-the-F-16V.html

[jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)]

Als alternatief F16 Block 60-62 met een AESA radar.

Gaat niet gebeuren... los van het feit dat aan Inda al de block 70 wordt aangeboden met daarnaast de diverse volgende generatie concepten die in de RFI status zijn.

Gevolg van de Trump tweet van vandaag: Leuk om LM onder druk te zetten om de prijs verder te laten dalen en in het ergste geval een x-aantal kisten minder me als grootste risico model de C.

Ook Trump zal deze kist voor de Amerikanen niet om zeep kunnen/willen helpen er is immers geen serieus alternatief en de militaire- en economische belangen zijn te groot.

Het heropenen van de F22 lijn zal jaren kosten (is tegenwoordig niet meer geheel kansloos) en de volgende generatie laat nog 20 jaar op zich wachten.

[Ace1]

Die soep zal niet zo heet gegeten worden wel is de C variant de meest kwetsbare, als er al iets geannuleerd wordt dan moet je het in die hoek zoeken denk ik, immers de USN is blij met haar F18E/F/G en kan het zich krap veroorloven om te wachten op een volgende generatie.

Als alternatief F16 Block 60-62 met een AESA radar.

http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/racr/

http://www.northropgrumman.com/Capabilities/SABR/Documents/sabr_datasheet.pdf

[jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)]

5 Reasons Trump's Twitter Attack On the F-35 Fighter Will Backfire via @forbes

http://www.forbes.com/sites/lorenthompson/2016/12/12/5-reasons-trumps-twitter-attack-on-the-f-35-fighter-will-backfire/#389af2e34441

[jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)]

Cancel Plans to Purchase Additional F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and Instead Purchase F-16s and F/A-18s ( CBO ; order stop voor F-35, ipv F-35 koop laatste versie F-16, F18 ... )

Die soep zal niet zo heet gegeten worden wel is de C variant de meest kwetsbare, als er al iets geannuleerd wordt dan moet je het in die hoek zoeken denk ik, immers de USN is blij met haar F18E/F/G en kan het zich krap veroorloven om te wachten op een volgende generatie.

[Ronald Elzenga]

Donald J. Trump Verified account
‏@realDonaldTrump
The F-35 program and cost is out of control. Billions of dollars can and will be saved on military (and other) purchases after January 20th.

bron: Twitter 2:26 PM - 12 Dec 2016

[Harald]

Cancel Plans to Purchase Additional F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and Instead Purchase F-16s and F/A-18s ( CBO ; order stop voor F-35, ipv F-35 koop laatste versie F-16, F18 ... )

(Source: Congressional Budget Office; issued Dec 08, 2016)

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program is the military's largest aircraft development program. The F-35 is a stealthy aircraft—one that is difficult for adversaries to detect by radar and other air defense sensors. The objective of the program is to produce three versions of that aircraft: the conventional takeoff F-35A for the Air Force, the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B for the Marine Corps, and the carrier-based F-35C for the Navy.

Through 2016, 285 F-35s had been purchased for the U.S. military: 178 F-35As, 71 F-35Bs, and 36 F‑35Cs.

Current plans call for purchasing 2,158 more F‑35s through 2038. The Department of Defense (DoD) has estimated that the remaining cost of those purchases, including the cost to complete development, will amount to $265 billion (in nominal dollars). The Marine Corps and the Air Force declared their versions of the F-35 operational in 2015 and 2016, respectively. The Navy expects to declare its version operational by 2019.

Under this option, DoD would halt further production of the F-35 and instead purchase the most advanced versions of older, non-stealthy fighter aircraft that are still in production: the F-16 Fighting Falcon for the Air Force and the F/A-18 Super Hornet for the Navy and Marine Corps.

The services would operate the F-35s that have already been purchased. By the Congressional Budget Office's estimates, the option would reduce the need for discretionary budget authority by $29 billion from 2018 through 2026 if the F-16s and F/A-18s were purchased on the same schedule as that currently in place for the F-35s. Outlays would decrease by $23 billion over that period.

Additional savings would accrue from 2027 through 2038 if F-16s and F/A-18s were purchased instead of the F-35s that are scheduled to be purchased in those later years. However, the Navy and Air Force are both planning to develop entirely new aircraft with fighter-like capabilities to be fielded in the 2030s and might choose to replace some planned F-35s with those aircraft instead.

An advantage of this option is that it would reduce the cost of replacing DoD's older fighter aircraft while still providing new F-16s and F/A-18s with improved capabilities—including modern radar, precision weapons, and digital communications—that would be able to defeat most of the threats that the United States is likely to face in the coming years.

The F-35s that have already been purchased would augment the stealthy B-2 bombers and F-22 fighters that are currently in the force, improving the services' ability to operate against adversaries equipped with advanced air defense systems. The military has successfully operated a mix of stealthy and non-stealthy aircraft since the advent of the F-117 stealth fighter in the 1980s.

A disadvantage of this option is that a force consisting of a mix of stealthy and non-stealthy aircraft would be less flexible against advanced enemy air defense systems. An inability to neutralize such defenses in the early stages of a conflict might preclude the use of F-16s and F/A-18s, effectively reducing the number of fighters that the United States would have at its disposal.

Another disadvantage is that the services would have to continue to operate more types of aircraft instead of concentrating on a smaller number of types. For example, F-16s would remain in the Air Force's inventory longer than currently planned, and the Marine Corps might need to field new F/A-18s to augment its F-35Bs.

Depending on how expensive it was to operate the F-35, the added costs of maintaining mixed fleets of fighters for a longer period could offset some of the savings under this option.

http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/179479/cbo%3A-replacing-f_35-with-legacy-fighters-would-save-%2429bn.html

[Zander]

Met slechts 8 toestellen en een zeer karig budget lijkt mij de keuze zich uiteindelijk te beperken tot 2
één pitters.

Wij hebben toch nog wat F16's....
Middelen om ze in te zetten hebben we toch niet.

[jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)]

Second-hand Italian Eurofighters enter the fray in Bulgaria's fighter contest

Met slechts 8 toestellen en een zeer karig budget lijkt mij de keuze zich uiteindelijk te beperken tot 2
één pitters.