Belgium opts to replace its outdated F-16s with the American F-35, also known
as the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). The government has decided on Thursday
against severe opposition.
 
Belgium buys 34 fighter planes for around 3.4 billion Euro. The first aircraft
are expected from 2023 onwards.
 
The F-35 from manufacturer Lockheed Martin beats the Eurofighter Typhoon from
a British-German-Spanish-Italian consortium. The French Rafale also was in the
running.
 
Countries such as the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Italy, Norway and Denmark
have also ordered F-35s. Earlier this month, a JSF crashed in the US and the
whole US fleet was grounded, it cast a shadow over the quality of the
aircraft. In the meantine it is certain that there's more to the deal than
just defense considerations.
 
Belgium remembers the F16-deal where General Dynamics delivered a watered down
version which in combat against USAF F16s would stand no chance. In the end
French subcontractors needed to modify the Belgian F16s for example to upgrade
them with ECM (electroning counter measures). 

--- D'Bridge 3.99 SR33
 * Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)