F-16 Fighting Falcon News

September 27, 2006 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Last week, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress (DSCA) of the Netherlands' request for logistics support for F-16 aircraft and related systems, as well as associated equipment and services.
The estimated cost is $150 million, and the contractors will be Pratt & Whitney, Lockheed Martin and Westinghouse.

Services requested include:

• avionics/computer software support
• aircraft engine services & modifications
• publications & technical documentation
• contractor technical services
• spare & repair parts
• depot level repair support
• other related program elements of support to ensure aircraft operational availability.

The implementation may require the assignment of two U.S. Government personnel and one contractor representative to the Netherlands for a period of up to 5 years.

The Royal Netherlands Air Force requests this logistics support to maintain the operational level of its F-16 squadrons in support of organic and NATO mission commitments, such as its current operations in Afghanistan, continued contributions to the Global War on Terrorism, and possible future coalition operations.

The Netherlands is also in the process of standing a Continental United States (CONUS)-based F-16 Formal Training Unit (FTU).

As with all DSCA notifications, unless Congress takes action to block the sale within 30 days contracts can be issued and signed.