Posted on 12/06/2010 4:28:31 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
“The government decision on the fighter was announced very shortly after it was made. No prior commitment was given to any of the candidates in advance of the decision,” says Defence Minister Grete Faremo.
The Ministry of Defence conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the offers from the two candidates, Swedish JAS Gripen NG and the U.S. F-35, through the spring, summer and autumn of 2008. The F-35 eventually proved to be the best option for Norway.
The Government’s and the Parliament's selection of the F-35 is based on clear scientific conclusions.
It is especially in the areas of sensor capability, the opportunities to remain undetected and electronic warfare that the F-35 is considered to be better than the Gripen NG.
Gripen NG does not satisfy the Norwegian requirements as stipulated for the future combat aircraft capability, and it could therefore not be selected.
The process surrounding the selection of future combat aircraft supplier was solid. All formal aspects of this process were taken care of, and selection was based on clear criteria that were clearly communicated to the competitors in advance.
External quality assurance evaluators reviewed the professional recommendations and concluded that the process was conducted in a professional and ethical manner.
In subsequent talks, both competitors said they were clear that they regarded the process as open and unbiased, says defense minister.
(Excerpt) Read more at defense-aerospace.com ...
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