F-16 Fighting Falcon News

August 3, 2006 (by Lieven Dewitte) - As they are a bit cramped for training space, the Royal Netherlands Air Force is looking to establish a Continental United States (CONUS)-based F-16 Formal Training Unit (FTU).
The total value of the F-16 pilot training and logistics support as well as associated equipment and services could be as high as $200 million.

The RNlAF intends to base 12 of their F-16 MLU jets at Springfield for a duration of 4 years.

The possible sale would include:

• 130 Laser Guided Training rounds
• 150,000 20mm Target Practice training bullets
• 3,750 BDU-33 low-drag training bombs
• 875 MK-106 high-drag training bombs
• pilot training
• JP-8 fuel,
• air refueling support
• CONUS base start up
• base operating support
• facilities
• other related operational/logistics services and support.

The estimated cost is $200 million, and there is no prime contractor.

The U.S. Air Force will provide program management while the Ohio Air National Guard will provide instruction, flight operations, maintenance support, and facilities.

Springfield-Beckley Air National Guard Base, Ohio is where the Netherlands Air Force will train aircrews in aircraft operations and tactics. This training will enhance the Royal Netherlands Air Force's ability to continue contributions to the Global War on Terrorism, to North Atlantic Treaty Organization air policing operations in Afghanistan, as well as to possible future coalition operations.