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Fighters - F-16 Fighting Falcon (Leeuwarden and Volkel)

The Royal Netherlands Air Force has standardised its fighter aircraft to one type: the F-16 Fighting Falcon. An extremely manoeuvrable, multirole fighter that can conduct several tasks, if necessary within the same mission. F-16s can therefore be deployed rapidly in crisis management and peace operations, for the protection of NATO airspace and to provide support and assistance in civilian government tasks.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole jet fighter build by General Dynamics for the US Air Force. The lightweight fighter became the ubiquities fighter as it was exported to 25 nations and a record breaking production of over 4,400 aircraft. Updated every decade it remains the basic fighter for nations worldwide.

The F-16 was built under an unusual agreement creating a consortium between the United States and four NATO countries: Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. These countries jointly produced with the United States an initial 348 F-16s for their air forces. Final airframe assembly lines were located in Belgium and the Netherlands. The consortium's F-16s were assembled from components manufactured in all five countries. Belgium also provided final assembly of the F100 engine used in the European F-16s. The long-term benefits of this program would be technology transfer among the nations producing the F-16, and a common-use aircraft for NATO nations. Through this program the supply and availability of repair parts in Europe is increased and improved the F-16's combat readiness. The initial Dutch order included 102 aircraft to be assembled at Fokker. This line first opened for business in April 1978, and was the second of the European F-16 final assembly lines to open. (SABCA in Belgium was the first.) The first Dutch-built F-16 took off on its maiden flight on May 3, 1979. Initial delivery of the F-16A/B to the Dutch Air Force took place in June 1979. In December 1983, the Dutch Parliament approved plans to increase its purchase of F-16s from 102 to 213 aircraft. In 1989, the Netherlands ordered an attrition replacement of 10 F-16As. The last F-16 rolled off the line at Fokker's Schiphol plant in February 1990.

F-16s can be committed in accordance with what is known as the swing-role principle, namely that they can be deployed for both air defence tasks (e.g. conducting air combat or intercepting enemy aircraft) and for the support of land and naval forces (e.g. attacking ground forces or ships). Depending on the mission being flown, both bombs and missiles can be carried on hard points, but also extra fuel tanks and electronic jamming equipment. For reconnaissance purposes the Royal Netherlands Air Force possesses F-16s with special camera pods in which conventional and infrared photographic equipment is installed. F-16s can be refuelled in-flight using special tanker aircraft such as the KDC-10s. Not only is the flight range of the F-16s increased as a result of this, it also limits the number of take-offs and landings and thus the level of noise pollution for those living near the air bases.

The very nature of air forces means that they usually operate in an international context. With a total inventory of 136 F-16 fighter aircraft, the Netherlands had 108 operational F-16s available for NATO tasks as of 2004. In the coming years this figure was slated to drop to 90. In addition, a number of aircraft are used to train pilots while maintenance is being carried out on others, which means that the quantity of operational aircraft remains at the required level.

In order to remain operational until at least 2010, the F-16s underwent a midlife update. This improvement package, which includes a new cockpit, improved radar and a new onboard computer, enables the aircraft to operate effectively at night and in adverse weather conditions. The midlife update also enhances the effectiveness of the weaponry, which means that enemy aircraft can be intercepted from an even greater distance and ground targets can be attacked with even more precision. This also limits the risk to the pilot and reduces the chance of collateral damage.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress 17 May 2013 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Netherlands for the continuation of a Continental United States (CONUS)-based Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) F-16 Formal Training Unit (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 refueling 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.