F-16 Fighting Falcon News

May 20, 2013 (by Asif Shamim) - The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress May 17 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Netherlands for the continuation of a CONUS based RNlAF F-16 FTU and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $191 million.
The Government of the Netherlands has requested a possible sale for the continuation of a Continental United States (CONUS)-based Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNlAF) F-16 Formal Training Unit (FTU),

• 50,000 MJU-7B w/BBU-36B Infrared Decoy Flares
• 30,000 RR-188 w/BBU-35B Training Chaff
• 3,750 BDU-33D/B w/lugs/Mk4 spot low-drag training bombs
• 240 MK-82 inert low-drag general purpose bombs
• 90 GBU-12 inert laser-guided bombs
• 60-GBU-38 inert GPS guided bombs
• 120,000 PGU-27 inert training rounds

Pilot training, JP-8 fuel, air refuelling support, airlift services, base operating support, facilities, training munitions, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $191 million.

This proposed sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the U.S. by improving the capabilities of the RNLAF and enhancing its standardization and interoperability with U.S. forces.

The RNLAF trains aircrews in aircraft operations and tactics with the 162nd Fighter Wing at Tucson Air National Guard Base. The continuation of this U.S.-based training supports the RNLAF’s ability to continue its contributions to Overseas Contingency Operations and to North Atlantic Treaty Organization air policing operations in Afghanistan, as well as to possible future coalition operations.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The U.S. Air Force will manage the F-16 pilot training program for the RNLAF. The Tucson Air National Guard, 162nd Fighter Wing will provide instruction, flight operations, and maintenance support and facilities. There is no prime contractor involved in this program. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any U.S. Government or contractor representatives to The Netherlands.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.