...

The Italian media has reported that the frigate deal is part of a much larger package that includes another four frigates, 20 corvettes based on the Falaj class that Fincantieri built for the United Arab Emirates, 24 Eurofighter Typhoon multirole jets, 24 M346 jet trainers, and a surveillance satellite.

...

seahawk wrote:

If you are always facing a risk of sanctions, it makes sense to have a diverse fleet.

...

On 23 May the DoD disclosed that the US Army Corps of Engineers had contracted Doha-based company BAH-ICM JV to build facilities for the Qatar Emiri Air Force’s (QEAF’s) new fleet. In the notification, the department said; “The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) purchase of forty-eight (48) F-15QA aircraft improves the State of Qatar's capability to meet current and future enemy air-to-air and air-to-ground threats”. Janes noted this discrepancy in the numbers at the time, but as it was the first such occurrence this suggested that it may have been in error.

...

Spain is set to receive new Eurofighter combat aircraft to augment its existing fleet and to begin the process of replacing its Boeing EF-18 Hornet fleet.

The proposed deal that the government is currently negotiating with Airbus, announced on 9 July, will involve an initial 20 Eurofighters being delivered to the Spanish Air Force (Ejército del Aire Español [EdAE]) to replace Hornets based on the Canary Islands.

The deal, which Airbus told Janes is expected to be signed in 2021, would be the first part of a wider plan to retire the service’s Hornets with the latest-standard Eurofighters between 2025 and 2030, dubbed Project ‘Halcon’ (Falcon).

...

The United Kingdom has effectively barred the sale of the FA-50 Fighting Eagle to Argentina, with the South Korean manufacturer informing the South American nation that it is unable to supply the light fighter and strike jet with its British-made parts.

In a letter dated 28 October, a senior official at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) told Argentina’s ambassador to the Republic of Korea that the FA-50 cannot be exported due to the UK government’s arms embargo on the country. As KAI Senior Manager and Chief, International Business Strategy Department, Martin Chun, noted in his letter to Ambassador Alfredo Carlos Bascou, the FA-50 includes six major components that are sourced from the UK.

...

ITPS Canada Ltd, a commercial provider of tactical aviation training services, is poised to add the two-seat Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50 Fighting Eagle light combat aircraft to its roster, with a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Canadian firm and the jet’s manufacturer. The relationship, which ITPS officially announced yesterday, is described as serving to “promote the FA-50 for tactical and adversary training,” but the company plans to eventually entirely replace its legacy Aero Vodochody L-39C Albatros jet trainer fleet with the type.

ITPS President Giorgio Clementi told The War Zone that his company plans to buy between eight and 12 examples of the South Korean FA-50 for the advanced training role. Like the Albatross, they will be based in Canada. As well as its five L-39Cs, the company also owns three Aero L-29 Delfins and two Hawker Hunters, all of which would potentially be superseded by the far more capable KA-50s.

“The KAI FA-50 is a great aircraft!” Clementi had said in an earlier company press release. “The aircraft’s performance, flying qualities, and mission capabilities make it the ideal platform for tactical and adversary training missions and a great fit for ITPS to replace our L-39 fleet. A new aircraft supported by the manufacturer and with the associated engineering and logistical support ensures reliable and cost-effective operations into the future.”

The Ministry of Defense is hoping to sell 29 surplus fighter jets to the Montreal-based defense training contractor for $3-4 million each.

Israel's Ministry of Defense is conducted negotiations with Canadian company Top Aces, sources close to the matter have informed "Globes," for the sale of the Israel Air Force's IAF) 29 surplus F-16 fighter jets - with each jet selling for between $3 million and $4 million. General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons were delivered to Israel in the early 1980s and over the past decade have been gradually phased out of service.

A deal that would bring multi-role fighter jets to the Philippine military, one of its big ticket projects, could be signed before President Rodrigo Duterte steps down in 2022, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay on Monday (Dec. 7).

The defense department has yet to make public its choice between two types of fighter jets—Saab JAS 39 Gripen or Lockheed Martin F-16V–but Gapay dropped hints it could be the US-made F-16s. “Soon, before our President steps down, we will finally have multi-role fighters in the likes of the F-16 in our Air Force inventory,” said Gapay at a Laging Handa press briefing held online.

...

Deliveries of 28 Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet combat aircraft to Kuwait have been delayed due to the ongoing Covid-19 health crisis, a company official told Janes on 14 January.

The 22 single-seat F/A-18Es and six twin-seat F/A-18Fs that were contracted in a government-to-government deal in June 2018 will be handed over to the US Navy (USN) later in 2021, instead of by the end of January as first intended.

“Covid has certainly impacted our business. We are working with the customer now on contract modifications to reflect our new timeline, and we will deliver the final Kuwait F/A-18 Super Hornet to the US Navy this summer [third quarter],” Boeing told Janes . The timeline for the USN’s final handover of the jets to the Kuwaiti Air Force has not been disclosed.

The USD2.7 billion deal for Kuwait (including radar warning receivers and weapons) involves Super Hornets built largely to the USN’s latest Block 3 standard (with some legacy Block 2 elements reportedly retained). Taking facets of Boeing’s previously touted International Roadmap and Advanced Super Hornet, the Block 3 includes upgrades to the Raytheon AN/APG-79 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar; an Elbit Systems large area display (LAD) ‘glass’ cockpit and next-generation avionics; an infrared search and track (IRST); ‘shoulder-mounted’ conformal fuel tanks (CFTs); Integrated Defensive Electronic Counter Measures (IDECM); and new General Electric F-414-400 enhanced engines. Further to the capability enhancements, the Block 3 airframe is extended from 6,000 hours to 9,000 hours.

...

Ozair wrote:

Kuwait will be delayed in receiving their Bk 3 SHs ordered in 2018. Covid is cited as the reason for the delay. These SH will be a blend of Blk 2 and Blk 3 systems I expect due to some Blk 3 systems being US only. The article also mentions using a enhanced F414 engines but this is the first time I have seen that reported. That would be of interest given it was Kuwait who funded the improved thrust version of the F404 for the classic Hornet. I am also keen to see if Kuwait will maintain the same camo pattern on the new SH as they have had on the classic Hornets or if they will adopt the standard paint of other SH operators.

Covid-19 impacts Super Hornet timeline for Kuwait

Deliveries of 28 Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet combat aircraft to Kuwait have been delayed due to the ongoing Covid-19 health crisis, a company official told Janes on 14 January.

The 22 single-seat F/A-18Es and six twin-seat F/A-18Fs that were contracted in a government-to-government deal in June 2018 will be handed over to the US Navy (USN) later in 2021, instead of by the end of January as first intended.

“Covid has certainly impacted our business. We are working with the customer now on contract modifications to reflect our new timeline, and we will deliver the final Kuwait F/A-18 Super Hornet to the US Navy this summer [third quarter],” Boeing told Janes . The timeline for the USN’s final handover of the jets to the Kuwaiti Air Force has not been disclosed.

The USD2.7 billion deal for Kuwait (including radar warning receivers and weapons) involves Super Hornets built largely to the USN’s latest Block 3 standard (with some legacy Block 2 elements reportedly retained). Taking facets of Boeing’s previously touted International Roadmap and Advanced Super Hornet, the Block 3 includes upgrades to the Raytheon AN/APG-79 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar; an Elbit Systems large area display (LAD) ‘glass’ cockpit and next-generation avionics; an infrared search and track (IRST); ‘shoulder-mounted’ conformal fuel tanks (CFTs); Integrated Defensive Electronic Counter Measures (IDECM); and new General Electric F-414-400 enhanced engines. Further to the capability enhancements, the Block 3 airframe is extended from 6,000 hours to 9,000 hours.

...

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news ... for-kuwait

744SPX wrote:

That would be interesting. I'll be watching closely to see if the F414 EPE actually makes it to production. That could have a knock-on effect for the SH in other competitions.

Ozair wrote:

744SPX wrote:

That would be interesting. I'll be watching closely to see if the F414 EPE actually makes it to production. That could have a knock-on effect for the SH in other competitions.

Unfortunately I suspect it is just poor research by Janes (the irony if true given what they used to represent).

This article from 2019
General Electric To Supply 72 Engines For US Navy, Kuwaiti Super Hornet Jets
https://www.defenseworld.net/news/25005 ... ornet_Jets

just lists the F414-GE-400 and the DSCA announcement, https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major- ... ft-support also only lists the F414-GE-400. I suspect the writer has just google searched Blk 3 improvements and saw the enhanced engines without realising they were never funded. If a new version was funded it would almost certainly carry a different nomenclature.

744SPX wrote:

This is an interesting article, from AWST; talks about USAF ordering more F-16's and possibly cutting F-35 procurement to just over 1000...

https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/ ... tion-shake

WASHINGTON, June 24, 2021 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Philippines of F-16 Block 70/72 Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2.43 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of the Philippines has requested to buy ten (10) F-16C Block 70/72 aircraft; two (2) F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft; fifteen (15) F100-PW-229EEP engines or F110-GE-129D engines; fifteen (15) Improved Programmable Display Generators (iPDG); fifteen (15) AN/APG-83 Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Scalable Agile Beam Radars (SABR); fifteen (15) Modular Mission Computers 7000AH; fifteen (15) LN-260 Embedded GPS/INS (EGI) with SAASM and PPS; twenty-four (24) Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) AIM-120C-7/C-8 or equivalent; one (1) AIM-120 Guidance Section; forty-eight (48) LAU-129 missile launchers; three (3) KMU-572 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (LJDAM) tail kits; six (6) Mk-82 500lb bombs; six (6) Mk-82 500lb Inert training bombs; six (6) FMU-152 or FMU-139 fuzes; six (6) Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP) or Litening ATP; fifteen (15) Multifunctional Information Display System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS) aircraft terminals, and; fifteen (15) M61A1 Vulcan Anti-Aircraft 20mm guns. Also included are AN/ARC-238 radios; Advanced Identification Friend or Foe with Combined Interrogator Transponder and Mode 5; Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems II (JHMCS II) or Scorpion Hybrid Optical-based Inertial Tacker (HObIT); Integrated Electronic Warfare Suite; Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program (ECISAP) support; AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser Systems (CMDS); Joint Mission Planning Systems (JMPS) or equivalent; AIM-120 CATM; LAU-118 launchers with Advanced Launcher Interface Computer (ALIC); LAU-117 missile launchers; DSU-38 Precision Laser Guided Sensor for LJDAM; Harpoon interface adapter kits; PGU-28 High Explosive Incendiary (HEI) ammunition; PGU-27 ammunition training rounds (non HEI); Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD); ARD-446 impulse cartridges; ARD-863 impulse cartridges; BBU-36/B impulse cartridges; BBU-35/B impulse cartridges; MK-124 smoke flares; MJU-7/B Flare Cartridge L463; BRU‐61 Bomb Racks; BRU‐57 bomb racks; MAU‐12 bomb racks and TER‐9A triple ejection racks; weapons support, test equipment, and missile containers; chaff and flare; Night Vision Devices (NVD) and support equipment and spares; secure communications; cryptographic equipment; aircraft and personnel support and test equipment; integration and test; weapons, ammunition, pylons, launcher adaptors, weapons interfaces, fuel tanks, and attached hardware; travel pods, precision measurement equipment laboratory, calibration, and simulators; spare and repair parts, repair and return services; maps, publications, and technical documentation; studies and surveys; classified / unclassified software and software support; personnel training and training equipment; facilities and facility management, design and/or construction services; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $2.43 billion.

An assembly line originally established in the 1980s for F-16 wings for Lockheed Martin has resumed production at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

The line was recently reopened following increased worldwide demand for the F-16 Block 70/72. The company will produce F-16 wings that will be shipped to final assembly line in Greenville, South Carolina.

seahawk wrote:

If you are always facing a risk of sanctions, it makes sense to have a diverse fleet.

FlapOperator wrote:

seahawk wrote:

If you are always facing a risk of sanctions, it makes sense to have a diverse fleet.

It also makes sustainment, training, and integration a nightmare, and thus makes effective combat operations far more difficult.

mxaxai wrote:

Not having access to spare parts and munitions as a result of sanctions also makes effective combat operations quite difficult.

FlapOperator wrote:

mxaxai wrote:

Not having access to spare parts and munitions as a result of sanctions also makes effective combat operations quite difficult.

I'd argue the Iranians and South Africans did it.

Frankly, a well-trained force prior to sanctions beats a half-baked one. In both cases, the South African and Iranians benefited from a single philosophy and knowledge they were able to sustain, than pell-mell flying club that looks good on paper.

Jordan has officially signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the sale of eight new production F-16 Block 70 aircraft.

“This F-16 acquisition reflects over 70 years of U.S. cooperation and decades of partnership with Lockheed Martin,” says Aimee Burnett, vice president, Integrated Fighter Group Business Development. “Our history partnering with Jordan strengthens regional security and helps protect citizens through 21st Century Security technologies that support critical missions today and into the future.”

The selection of new production F-16 aircraft extends Jordan’s existing fleet of F-16s, bringing advanced capabilities to the mission combined with affordable operating and lifecycle costs.

Germany and UK suspend Eurofighter operations due to potential ejector seat issues
Citing problems in one of the components of the seat ejection system [the pyrotechnic cartridges], the Luftwaffe decided to preemptively suspend part of its fleet until the operational safety of the pilots is verified.
[...]
The measure was followed shortly afterwards by the Royal Air Force, which announced the suspension of «non-essential» operations of its Eurofighter and BAE Hawk aircraft. As an immediate consequence, the Red Arrows flyover scheduled for the closing of the Farnborough Airshow was cancelled.

mxaxai wrote:

Not sure where to put this but it doesn't really warrant its own thread.

Germany and UK suspend Eurofighter operations due to potential ejector seat issues
Citing problems in one of the components of the seat ejection system [the pyrotechnic cartridges], the Luftwaffe decided to preemptively suspend part of its fleet until the operational safety of the pilots is verified.
[...]
The measure was followed shortly afterwards by the Royal Air Force, which announced the suspension of «non-essential» operations of its Eurofighter and BAE Hawk aircraft. As an immediate consequence, the Red Arrows flyover scheduled for the closing of the Farnborough Airshow was cancelled.

https://www.aviacionline.com/2022/07/ge ... at-issues/

Spanish EF reportedly also grounded until all ejection systems have been checked, no confirmation yet from Italy. Only essential operations remain while training is suspended.

art wrote:

In this article the writer speculates that Turkey's desire to buy more F-16 may be thwarted by the US Congress.

https://www.dailysabah.com/opinion/op-e ... uire-f-16s

If Turkey is not allowed to buy F-16 or permission is given but with restrictions on use that Turkey finds unacceptable, will Turkey turn to Eurofighter for new fighters - probably wanting to set up a new FAL in Turkey? According to Wiki the country still has around 50 F-4 in service and over 200 F-16. While pushing its 5G TF-X programme forward, that aircraft is unlikely to enter service for 10 or more years with a yet-to-be-developed joint venture engine so Eurofighter looks the best non-US prospect to cover F-4 and F-16 retirements.

stratable wrote:

art wrote:

In this article the writer speculates that Turkey's desire to buy more F-16 may be thwarted by the US Congress.

https://www.dailysabah.com/opinion/op-e ... uire-f-16s

If Turkey is not allowed to buy F-16 or permission is given but with restrictions on use that Turkey finds unacceptable, will Turkey turn to Eurofighter for new fighters - probably wanting to set up a new FAL in Turkey? According to Wiki the country still has around 50 F-4 in service and over 200 F-16. While pushing its 5G TF-X programme forward, that aircraft is unlikely to enter service for 10 or more years with a yet-to-be-developed joint venture engine so Eurofighter looks the best non-US prospect to cover F-4 and F-16 retirements.

Eurofighter would be a more much expensive platform than the F16 though, no? I can't see any of the partner nations agreeing to setting up a new production line in Turkey, especially not in a timely manner.
I am also not sure if Turkey would get approval to fly the Typhoon, for the same reasons that the US might be holding back the F16 or at least a fully equipped F16.
Is the Gripen E more comparable to the F16, would that be an option? Not sure about Rafales, they're probably out of the picture given that Greece flies them.

Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde has been the most prominent figure in Sweden’s relations with the PYD, and her meetings with the group's members drew a harsh response from Turkey. At a 2020 news conference, Linde and her Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, snapped at each other over Turkey’s presence in north Syria. Tensions rose further when a Swedish delegation visited a PYD-controlled area.

Linde also held several phone discussions with PYD leaders Turkey has classed as terrorists, promising that Sweden would boost financial assistance in northeastern Syria to $376m in 2023.

stratable wrote:

Eurofighter would be a more much expensive platform than the F16 though, no? I can't see any of the partner nations agreeing to setting up a new production line in Turkey, especially not in a timely manner.

LHAM wrote:

Wouldn't buying essentially a Chinese jet like the FC-1/JF-17 further strain its relationship with NATO?
Especially after all the fuss China is making around Taiwan?

kitplane01 wrote:

LHAM wrote:

Wouldn't buying essentially a Chinese jet like the FC-1/JF-17 further strain its relationship with NATO?
Especially after all the fuss China is making around Taiwan?

I'm sure they would sell it as buying a Pakistani airframe.

It's hard to get mad at Turkey for buying someone else's fighter if you won't sell them your fighter.

Interesting question: would it be better for Turkey to buy the JF-17 or the FA-50? The FA-50 requires an American engine and Israeli radar, but the JF-17 requires a Russian engine and Chinese radar. If you're Turkey, there are not a lot of good choices, so what's the least bad choice? Surely operating F-4s is not the right answer!

The FA-50 is probably available more quickly than the JF-17. Both are super cheap to anyone who can afford a new built F-16.

A Saab confirmou que as negociações para o segundo lote de 26 caças F-39 Gripen E/F com a Força Aérea Brasileira (FAB) já foi iniciada.

Kiwirob wrote:

kitplane01 wrote:

LHAM wrote:

Wouldn't buying essentially a Chinese jet like the FC-1/JF-17 further strain its relationship with NATO?
Especially after all the fuss China is making around Taiwan?

I'm sure they would sell it as buying a Pakistani airframe.

It's hard to get mad at Turkey for buying someone else's fighter if you won't sell them your fighter.

Interesting question: would it be better for Turkey to buy the JF-17 or the FA-50? The FA-50 requires an American engine and Israeli radar, but the JF-17 requires a Russian engine and Chinese radar. If you're Turkey, there are not a lot of good choices, so what's the least bad choice? Surely operating F-4s is not the right answer!

The FA-50 is probably available more quickly than the JF-17. Both are super cheap to anyone who can afford a new built F-16.

Or since the Chinese are now selling the Chengdu J-10C to Pakistan they might as well sell it to the Turks. Chinese engine, Chinese radar, no Russian equipment.

art wrote:

This youtube link claims that Turkey and the United States will hold a technical meeting on August 15 to renegotiate the purchase of F-16 Viper (Block 70). It reports that Turkey wants to procure 40 new F-16 and upgrades for 80 of its existing F-16.
PS The link reports that Congress voted to refuse supply unless Turkey agreed not to violate Greek airspace with the aircraft supplied.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEVuzkNJrYw

This youtube link says that UK is interested in selling Eurofighter to Turkey, the matter being discussed during the UK PM and Defence Secretary's recent visit to Turkey.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fabphxhnMYs

On that basis, I would not be surprised if Turkey elected to go for Eurofighter if no F-16 deal is forthcoming. If Turkey went down that route it could cover any inordinate delay in its own TF-X becoming available. When the TF-X would be available with a new, Turkish-built engine is very uncertain, given that no company has been selected to design, develop, test and manufacture the new engine so far.