Draken International Buys 12 Ex-Dutch F-16's

Moderators: richierich, ua900, PanAm_DC10, hOMSaR

Post Reply
 
ThePointblank
Topic Author
Posts: 4426
Joined: Sat Jan 17, 2009 11:39 pm

Draken International Buys 12 Ex-Dutch F-16's

Fri Jul 02, 2021 6:07 am

Following in the heels of Canadian-based Top Aces buying ex-Israeli F-16's, US-based Draken International has entered into an agreement to purchase a dozen F-16's from the Dutch Air Force when they are retired from Dutch service:

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news ... ernational



The Netherlands is to sell 12 surplus Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft to Draken International for use as ‘Red Air' aggressor trainers.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) disclosed on 29 June that an agreement has been reached with the US-based contractor, with the aircraft and related equipment set to be made available in 2022.

“Draken International has been contracted by the US government for years to assume the role of enemy in US Air Force and [US] Navy exercises. These aircraft will only be used on the basis of government contracts for support tasks in (inter)national exercises and training on US territory. The US government monitors compliance with these agreements,” the MoD said in a letter to the Dutch parliament.


The agreement is for 12 confirmed aircraft for delivery starting in 2022, with a possible 28 more down the line.
Top
 
texl1649
Posts: 2368
Joined: Thu Aug 02, 2007 5:38 am

Re: Draken International Buys 12 Ex-Dutch F-16's

Fri Jul 02, 2021 11:19 am

These are pretty tired frames, I’m surprised they have much usable life in them, particularly for aggressor type of work which I’d think will involve a lot of high-G maneuvering. Of course, who knows, maybe they plan to just buy 2 or 3 times what they need, super cheap, so they have all of the spare parts/engines they can use.
Top
 
User avatar
Spacepope
Posts: 6348
Joined: Tue Dec 28, 1999 11:10 am

Re: Draken International Buys 12 Ex-Dutch F-16's

Fri Jul 02, 2021 8:23 pm

texl1649 wrote:
These are pretty tired frames, I’m surprised they have much usable life in them, particularly for aggressor type of work which I’d think will involve a lot of high-G maneuvering. Of course, who knows, maybe they plan to just buy 2 or 3 times what they need, super cheap, so they have all of the spare parts/engines they can use.


This last bit jives with what others have done with Mirage F1s. Lots of spares, and unfortunately a needed attrition replacement. Those A-4s and Hunters can't fly forever.
Top
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: rlwynn and 24 guests

Popular Searches On Airliners.net

Top Photos of Last:   24 Hours  •  48 Hours  •  7 Days  •  30 Days  •  180 Days  •  365 Days  •  All Time

Military Aircraft Every type from fighters to helicopters from air forces around the globe

Classic Airliners Props and jets from the good old days

Flight Decks Views from inside the cockpit

Aircraft Cabins Passenger cabin shots showing seat arrangements as well as cargo aircraft interior

Cargo Aircraft Pictures of great freighter aircraft

Government Aircraft Aircraft flying government officials

Helicopters Our large helicopter section. Both military and civil versions

Blimps / Airships Everything from the Goodyear blimp to the Zeppelin

Night Photos Beautiful shots taken while the sun is below the horizon

Accidents Accident, incident and crash related photos

Air to Air Photos taken by airborne photographers of airborne aircraft

Special Paint Schemes Aircraft painted in beautiful and original liveries

Airport Overviews Airport overviews from the air or ground

Tails and Winglets Tail and Winglet closeups with beautiful airline logos