Posted on 10/08/2010 9:29:50 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
The Netherlands' new coalition government is expected to maintain the nation's commitment to the test phase of Lockheed Martin's F-35 programme, although a decision on whether the type will replace its Lockheed F-16s will not be made for several more years.
A conceptual agreement made by the right-wing VVD and PVV parties and the Christian Democrats to form a new cabinet includes plans to buy a second F-35 test aircraft in 2011 and to fully participate in the Joint Strike Fighter's operational test and evaluation.
A ruling on further Dutch participation in the F-35 programme had been put on hold earlier this year, following the collapse of the nation's last coalition cabinet.
An order for a first test aircraft was not cancelled, but a decision on acquiring the second was postponed until a new government was in place.
(Excerpt) Read more at flightglobal.com ...
Ping.
For everyone’s info - Dutch F-16’s flew air cover over Manhattan post 9/11. Thanks to the Dutch. Go Geert!
How come? Surely the USAF had enough planes to do that job themselves?
NATO symbolism. Not a bad thing.
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