Denmark has deferred a decision on a new fighter until at least 2010, abandoning a plan to make a choice among the Joint Strike Fighter, Super Hornet and Gripen NG this year. The Danish government has also concluded that the country's long-serving F-16s can fly for two more years than originally planned, delaying the arrival of replacements until 2018.
The nation may also reduce the number of aircraft to be acquired from the basic planned 48-jet number. The RDAF currently maintains 48 operational F-16s from a 62-aircraft fleet, but defense minister Soren Gade is quoted now as saying that the force will decline to between 25 and 35 operational fighters.
If you're going to order your first 8 jets in 2016 (receiving in 2018), also calculate into the equation: an effective combat, pilot proficient IOC and FOC date for your initial 8 jets when planning a tactical recapitalization for 48 current operational F-16s. That could equate to 2020-21 Fully Operational Capable timeframe for the entire squadron (of 24 a/c).
If any consolation, waiting until 2016 (vs 2014) to order first 8 hypothetical JSF would mean the difference of FRP aircraft vs LRIP aircraft (advertised at least, as being less cost) and potentially a technology block level higher - i.e., block V, vs block IV a/c (a major capability upgrade, for less cost than an earlier 2014 LRIP buy, according to JPO).
Good luck with their decisions... very understandable to think this one over hard.
Agreed, no all that surprising. Denmark has gone through some extensive consolidation processes over the past decade and budgets are very tight. Denmark is keen to notice itself through NATO operations, focus and investments are going in that direction. For that mission you could manage with fewer aircrafts.
At the same time delaying might weaken some of the industrial prospects as well as synergies through partnership co-operation, such as the F-35 Consortium Buy. It's going to be some tough turns around the negotiation table for the Danes, although that's something they are good at.
Well, at least now they can sit and see what happen to the JSF. The Norwegians were not that smart. Of course, the Norwegians haven't signed anything yet, as far as I know. They could still change their mind, if, for example, the JSF gets delayed or get more expensive. On those issues I think the coming year will be enlightening.
- In other F-35 news, F-16.net has an update on the F-35 flight schedule. 9 flights all BF-1. This brings the program up to 124 flights as a grand total.
Hardcore. True, nothing is signed yet. However it was important for the Noggies to get the process moving early partly due to the industrial considerations, such as the JSM missile integration.
The more the reduction in fleet rquirements, the more it would benefit Saab; for example, would any of the other competitors have chased a 6 aircraft order (6 Gripens for Thailand)?
Saab beat out Lockheed and Sukhoi in Thailand. It's interesting that Thailand selected Gripen despite having a fairly large F-16 inventory. Those F-16 weren't ordered all at the same time either.
Denmark probably have no need for 30-something new jets in the future. 18 + UAV's whould serve them well. Even today.
If any consolation, waiting until 2016 (vs 2014) to order first 8 hypothetical JSF would mean the difference of FRP aircraft vs LRIP aircraft (advertised at least, as being less cost) and potentially a technology block level higher - i.e., block V, vs block IV a/c (a major capability upgrade, for less cost than an earlier 2014 LRIP buy, according to JPO).
Good luck with their decisions... very understandable to think this one over hard.
Respects-
At the same time delaying might weaken some of the industrial prospects as well as synergies through partnership co-operation, such as the F-35 Consortium Buy. It's going to be some tough turns around the negotiation table for the Danes, although that's something they are good at.
B. Bolsøy
Oslo
Well it's a good move by the Danes. Maybe not for their industry but oh well.
Of course, the Norwegians haven't signed anything yet, as far as I know. They could still change their mind, if, for example, the JSF gets delayed or get more expensive.
On those issues I think the coming year will be enlightening.
In other F-35 news, F-16.net has an update on the F-35 flight schedule. 9 flights all BF-1. This brings the program up to 124 flights as a grand total.
http://tinyurl.com/ylyvzfy
Maybe the can get BF-1 to Pax soon.
B. Bolsøy
Oslo
Denmark probably have no need for 30-something new jets in the future. 18 + UAV's whould serve them well. Even today.