Il giornalista Robert Wall fa il punto, su "Aviation Week & Space Technology", sull'attuale situazione del mercato dei caccia ....

 

 

Fighter Contenders See Multiple Export Opportunities

 

By Robert Wall - July 09, 2012

 

Source ....

 

With India, Japan and Switzerland having made their fighter decisions, the market is starting to turn to smaller campaigns as aircraft makers look to build backlogs to sustain production lines that may otherwise be nearing their end.

 

Competitions in South Korea and Brazil still attract industry players, but after those, the list of buyers thins out to countries with more limited budgets seeking to buy smaller numbers. That means manufacturers are starting to pay attention even to small countries like Botswana, and its eventual F-5 replacement needs.

 

That is not to say the incentive to promote high-end offerings is diminishing. Being able to deliver the most advanced systems possible remains an issue of more than bragging rights. That has Eurofighter officials eager to show that they are finally making progress in the increasingly important realm of active, electronically scanned array technology, where the European consortium has been trailing rivals.

 

The first Captor-E is due to be delivered in the second quarter of 2012, says Bob Mason, vice president for radar marketing and sales at Selex Galileo, one of the partners in the Euroradar consortium. The first Typhoon with the radar will fly next year. Most of the work so far has been financed by industry. A government-funded development contract is now expected in 2013. Industry still hopes to be able to field the system in 2015, although delays in the government's financing of the development program means the in-service date could slip into 2016.

 

The repositioner, designed to maintain IFF (identification friend or foe) polarity and increase the pilot's field of regard using the sensor, and upgraded back end with increased processing are now coming together, Mason says. The development is “low- risk,” he asserts. The basic radar will have air-to-air, air-to-ground and synthetic aperture radar modes.

 

The radar is intended for Tranche 3A fighters, but could be retrofit on Tranche 2 aircraft as well.

 

Pressure is mounting on Typhoon for sales in export markets, having already failed in Japan, India and Switzerland. South Korea, where the Typhoon is squaring off against the Lockheed Martin F-35 and Boeing F-15 Silent Eagle, is seen as a long shot, given the strong U.S. military presence on the peninsula. Malaysia is seen as a potential buyer, and the consortium also still hopes to make inroads in the United Arab Emirates, which has been in on-again, off-again talks with France to buy the Rafale.

 

For the Saab Gripen, last year's win in Switzerland and the subsequent commitment by Sweden to buy 60-80 of the new model E/F-standard aircraft has provided a shot in the arm, but export successes globally have been few.

 

Brazil could provide an important test case, opening the door not just to a new market but potentially to an entire region. Brazil's decision has been delayed numerous times, but Eddy de la Motte, vice president for marketing of the Swedish fighter, notes that “we get the feeling it is the end game.”

 

Saab could deliver the first Gripen E/F (also called the NG) fighter four years after a contract award, but it is still unclear if that is the schedule Brasilia will insist on, or whether it will join the combined Swiss/Swedish Gripen E/F development schedule, which would see the first fighter handed over in 2018.

 

The first Gripen E/F prototype is due to fly late next year if the Swiss and Swedish governments can agree on the development path forward. The effort would likely require some funding from Saab, too.

 

Meanwhile, the Selex Galileo Raven ES-05 active, electronically scanned array radar is to fly on the Gripen NG demonstrator soon, at which time the cockpit displays and sensor will be put through their paces.

 

The Swedish government has an offer on the table for potential export buyers, to accelerate its purchase if another country wants the Gripen E/F early but does not want to be the lead buyer. That offer remains open, de La Motte says.

 

A win in Brazil could open the door to other fighter deals in South America, adds Frederik Gustafson, regional director for Gripen exports in the Americas. “There is a huge need for new fighters in the region and the economies are growing,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the Aerospace Forum Sweden 2012. There are more than a handful of countries that are looking to buy in the next five years, he added.

 

But that is not the only region where Saab is working to meet its target of selling 300 fighters over the next decade. In Thailand, were it has already sold 12 Gripens (six are delivered with six to follow next year), it is hoping for additional deals. Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia and, “in a couple of years” Vietnam may also offer opportunities, de La Motte says.

 

Efforts also continue to extend the fighter lease deal with the Czech Republic and secure orders in Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Slovakia. Gripen also still hopes to convince Denmark and the Netherlands to defect from the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter program.

 

This year, the Czech Republic is due to make a decision on whether it will extend the fighter lease beyond 2015. The Czech air force currently operates 12 single-seat and two dual-seat Gripens under a lease deal that expires in 2015. The goal is to complete negotiations this year on how to preserve fighter capability.

 

The leading candidate, preferred by the air force, is an extension of the lease deal with the Swedish government, with 5-, 10- and 20-year options being discussed (the 10-year option is seen as the most likely). A decision should be taken this year to allow time for a fall-back plan in case the lease deal does not materialize, says air force chief Brig. Gen. Jiri Verner.

 

Securing additional orders is critical not only for European manufacturers, seeing a potential end of their production lines in this decade in the absence of additional orders. Boeing is looking to both additional F/A-18 purchases by the U.S. and fighter export campaigns to sustain its two fighter production lines—the F-15 and F/A-18—beyond their currently expected lives.

 

The current multi-year program with the U.S. Navy runs until about 2015, but Dennis Muilenburg, CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security (DSS), sees scope for sales of additional EA-18Gs to the Pentagon to extend production. “We see an opportunity domestically for the joint electronic attack requirement,” he tells reporters. But whether there is enough demand for a fourth multi-year contract is unclear he notes.

 

While Muilenburg acknowledges that the existing backlog sees pressure on the F-15 and F/A-18E/F production lines in the 5-10-year time frame, he argues that both products have shown resilience and been able to extend their lives.

 

Several important decisions affecting exports loom in the coming months. Before year-end, Brazil is to announce its F-X2 fighter decision where the F/A-18E/F is competing against the Gripen NG and the Dassault Rafale. South Korea is also expected to make its choice between the F-15, Lockheed Martin's F-35 and the Typhoon.

 

Boeing also foresees more clarity to emerge on Australia's plans in the third quarter. That is when a decision is likely on the mix between the F-35s and F/A-18Fs and whether additional Super Hornet purchases will be made, says Mark Kronenberg, vice president- international business development at Boeing DSS. “I don't think they are going to walk away completely from the F-35, but the mix is a factor,” he argues.

 

Boeing sees Denmark as an opportunity for the F/A-18, as well as some nervousness among F-35 buyers that could generate opportunities, Kronenberg says.

 

The Middle East is viewed as another potential hot spot for deals, with Qatar and Kuwait seen as potential F/A-18E/F buyers. Kronenberg notes that “in Kuwait you are starting to see movement I had not seen two years ago.”

 

The United Arab Emirates might be an opportunity for Boeing, but Kronenberg sees that as an F-15 market.

 

Extending the production lines is vital for Boeing to maintain skills until future programs—FA-XX for the U.S. Navy and F-X for the U.S. Air Force—advance beyond the concept study phase. However, Muilenburg notes that skills will also be sustained through other efforts, including work in unmanned aircraft and the USAF's next-generation bomber effort.

 

Lo F-35 assume una sempre maggior importanza fra i paesi amici dell'Occidente situati nell'area Asia-Pacifico ...

Cita

With three powerful air arms well advanced in their plans to field the Lockheed Martin F-35 in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, and with the U.S. itself prioritizing the theater for its deployment, the low-observable fighter is rapidly becoming the dominant asset among West-aligned forces. 
Singapore is set to join the F-35 club, and possibly Thailand too, further underlining the aircraft’s importance as a counter to major threats from China, Russia, and North Korea.

... ainonline.com ... https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2022-02-14/f-35-taking-center-stage-asia-pacific-arena ...

😎

Il debuttante ... 

Cita

Turkish Aerospace is showing a full-scale mock-up of the TF (Turkish Fighter, known as MMU in Turkey) at the Singapore Airshow, where the design is on display for the first time. 
The aircraft is now in development with an aim of rolling out the first example in 2023 and flying it in 2025. 
Turkey sees opportunities for the aircraft and related technologies in the Asia-Pacific region, where Turkish Aerospace has sold T129 attack helicopters to the Philippines and is pursuing a sale of the Hurjet jet trainer to Malaysia with the possibility of local production.
Turkey elected to pursue a national combat aircraft in 2010 to replace the air force’s F-16s from 2030. Following evaluation of various configurations, Turkey chose a twin-engined, twin-tailed layout in 2015, with a design and development contract awarded to prime contractor Turkish Aerospace for what was then known as TF-X the following year. 
The program has taken on a higher priority since Turkey's removal from the F-35 program.

... ainonline.com ... https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2022-02-16/turkish-fighter-makes-asia-pacific-debut ...

🇹🇷

Caccia Chengdu J-10 per il Pakistan ...

Cita

The long-anticipated Pakistani order for the J-10 is widely seen as a counter to India’s new Dassault Rafale fighters.
After years of speculation and countless online rumors, the first Chinese-made J-10 multi-role fighter jets for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) have appeared in China. 
Once delivered to the PAF, the single-engine J-10 medium-weight fighter will help modernize that service and further deepen the military relationship between Pakistan and China. 
Furthermore, it’s a major milestone as the first export sale of the J-10.

... thedrive.com/the-war-zone ... https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/44302/chinas-first-export-j-10-multi-role-fighters-for-pakistan-emerge ...

🇨🇳 & 🇵🇰

https://aresdifesa.it/trentasei-f15id-per-lindonesia/

19 minuti fa, maxiss ha scritto:

https://aresdifesa.it/trentasei-f15id-per-lindonesia/

E' un'informazione che è già stata data lo scorso 11 Febbraio in questa stessa discussione ... forse ti è sfuggita ...

Me la davano per news nuova..

Caccia Chengdu J-10 per il Pakistan ...
Consegnati i primi sei esemplari ...

Cita

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF, Pakistan Fiza’ya) has inducted the Chengdu J-10CE “Dragon” multirole fighter into service in a ceremony on March 11 attended by Prime Minister Imran Khan and the chief of the air staff, air chief marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. 
The Chinese-made J-10CE is intended to begin the replacement of the PAF’s Dassault Mirage III/5 fleet, the induction event occurring almost 54 years to the day since the first of the French delta-wing fighters arrived In Pakistan.
Having forged close links with China at both military and industrial levels, Pakistan was the natural choice to become the first export customer for the J-10, and signed an order for at least 25 of the type on June 25, 2021. 
The number is expected to rise to at least 36. 
Aircraft wearing PAF markings were noted undergoing flight tests at the factory airfield in Chengdu during February, and the first batch of six - all single-seaters - was ferried to Pakistan on March 4. 
Pakistan has stated an aim to have 25 in service by March 23 to take part in the national day flypast. 
The PAF unit nominated to operate the type is No. 15 Squadron “Cobras”, which formerly flew Mirage IIIs and 5s from Rafiqui.

... ainonline.com ... https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2022-03-14/first-batch-chinese-j-10-fighters-delivered-pakistan ...

🇨🇳 & 🇵🇰

 

https://aresdifesa.it/la-giordania-vuole-acquistare-sedici-f16c-d-block70/

1 ora fa, maxiss ha scritto:

https://aresdifesa.it/la-giordania-vuole-acquistare-sedici-f16c-d-block70/

Notizia alquanto datata ...

Basta andare al 4 Febbraio di questa stessa discussione ...

Eurofighter ... si prospetta la possibilità dell'acquisto di ottanta esemplari da parte della Turchia ...

Cita

Ankara starebbe valutando l’ipotesi di procedere all’acquisto di ottanta caccia bombardieri Eurofighter per ammodernare la sua linea caccia.
Tale acquisto sarebbe in qualche modo collegato al programma TF-X teso a sviluppare e costruire un caccia avanzato da parte dell’industria nazionale turca con apporto tecnologico straniero.
Nel caso di specie interessata al programma TF-X è Rolls Royce che ha ricevuto a suo tempo dal Governo Turco un contratto per fornire tecnologie e supporto nello sviluppo del motore.
Come è noto, a causa degli attriti con gli Stati Uniti sia per la questione siriana sia per l’acquisto dei sistemi missilistici russi di difesa d’area S-400, la Turchia è stata estromessa dal programma F-35 a cui partecipava a livello industriale e militare.
Gli Stati Uniti, peraltro, oltre il blocco del programma F-35, hanno anche fin qui negato la possibilità per Ankara di ottenere caccia bombardieri F-16V Block 70/72, la versione più moderna del Fightning Falcon, ostacolando persino il programma di ammodernamento degli F-16 già in dotazione.

... aresdifesa.it ... https://aresdifesa.it/la-turchia-interessata-allacquisto-di-ottanta-eurofighter/ ...

🇹🇷

Un'analisi di bilancio condotta dal Ministero delle Finanze finlandese ha eliminato i dubbi che erano sorti sulla decisione di acquistare gli F-35, dopo le ingenti spese affrontate per combattere la pandemia e inviare aiuti all'Ucraina ...

Cita

A budgetary analysis by Finland’s Ministry of Finance (MoF) has determined that the government’s $10 billion buy of 64 Lockheed F-35 fighter jets can be funded from within the Finnish Defense Force’s (FDF) established annual income and expenditure framework.
Officials conducted the cost and affordability review to ascertain if factors outside the armed forces’ control, including pandemic-led government spending constraints and pressures on the military’s finances amid tensions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, might require supplementary measures outside of the defense budget to help fund the acquisition.
More recently, doubts about the FDF’s ability to work within its current budget were raised after the government decided to export defensive weapons and other military materials to Ukraine.

... defensenews.com ... https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/03/28/audit-clears-finnish-f-35-buy-amid-rising-spending-on-pandemic-ukraine/ ...

🇫🇮

Nel mentre, il Canada sembra essersi deciso: https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/03/28/canada-picks-the-f-35-in-fighter-replacement-competition/

L'annuncio del Governo del Canada ...

... canada.ca/en ... https://www.canada.ca/en/public-services-procurement/news/2022/03/canada-moves-closer-to-delivering-88-advanced-fighter-jets-for-the-royal-canadian-air-force-as-it-begins-negotiations-with-the-top-ranked-bidder-th.html ...

🇨🇦 & 🇺🇸

Il governo canadese cancella l’acquisto degli F-35 perché sono un costoso spreco...

Il governo canadese apre una competizione per rimpiazzare gli F-18...

Il governo canadese annuncia che l’F-35 ha vinto la competizione...

Quanto è bella la politica…

A quanto pare si tratta di un acquisto "con riserva" ...

Cita

The move doesn't mean a deal to purchase the stealth fighter from U.S. defence giant Lockheed Martin is officially done.
The government still has the option to begin talks with Saab about its Gripen fighter should negotiations with Lockheed Martin stall.

... cp24.com/news ... https://www.cp24.com/news/canada-chooses-to-buy-f-35-fighter-jet-cp-sources-1.5837644 ...

Così come l'acquisto degli F-35 in Germania è una scelta " di principio " .....

Come dire , se dovesse tornare Trump alla Casa Bianca ....  

E' legittima l'impressione che tali annunci da parte di Trudy 🇨🇦  e Scholzo  🇩🇪  siano stati fatti solo per sostenere l'immagine del traballante duo Biden - Harris ?

Vedremo se i negoziati con la Lockheed saranno destinati a stallare o no .

M-346FA ... una delle tre opzioni che ha la Polonia per la sostituzione dei vecchi velivoli ex-sovietici ...

Cita

La prima opzione è un’offerta italiana di una versione armata e in grado di combattere del Leonardo M-346 Master. 
Da tempo gli italiani tentano di vendere una versione adatta al combattimento di questo noto addestratore. 
In Polonia, l’M-346FA, come viene designato il Master in questa configurazione, sarebbe proposto non solo come sostituto del MiG-29 ma anche come sostituto dei Sukhoi Su-22 ancora in servizio in Polonia.
La proposta di Leonardo riguarda, quindi, un velivolo a doppio ruolo e a basso costo che potrebbe integrare la versione dell’addestratore, già in servizio in Polonia, con un caccia leggero ma moderno e ben equipaggiato. 
L’M-346FA è la versione da combattimento della variante d’addestramento di questo ormai ben collaudato velivolo. 
L’M-346FA è un velivolo multiruolo leggero dotato di radar, soluzione tattica molto redditizia per il moderno campo di battaglia.

... aviation-report.com ... https://www.aviation-report.com/per-sostituire-mig29-la-polonia-potrebbe-valutare-aerei-da-combattimento-coreani-ed-europei-tra-i-quali-m346fa-italiano/ ...

Dunque,a quanto pare il su 35 vede meglio nei volantini che nella realtà

L Egitto forse lo cambia per l f15..

https://www.analisidifesa.it/2022/04/f-15-advanced-eagle-per-legitto/

La Colombia avrebbe deciso di fare acquisti nella Corea del Sud ...

Cita

Colombia’s Air Force has chosen a mix of TA-50 and FA-50 Golden Eagles as its next jet trainers, military sources told Defense News.
The Air Force plans to acquire at least 20 advanced jet trainers with air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities under a project estimated to be worth $600 million.
The Air Force has denied negotiations are underway to procure the Golden Eagle variants, made by Korea Aerospace Industries. 
But local sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press, said the Colombian government has acknowledged the Air Force’s preference for the South Korean aircraft and has insisted negotiations with KAI also involve Leonardo.
The Italian firm was shortlisted during the competition process and had offered its M-346 advanced jet/lead-in fighter trainer. 
The inclusion of competitors is meant to help Colombia negotiate the best deal.

... defensenews.com/air ... https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/04/29/colombia-chooses-south-koreas-ta-50-fa-50-as-next-jet-trainers-officials-say/ ...

🇨🇴 & 🇰🇷
 

Gli USA pronti a sbloccare il pacchetto F-16 alla Turchia?

La Grecia è sempre più vicina all'acquisto degli F-35 e, al tempo stesso, tenta di convincere gli Stati Uniti a non fornire alla Turchia un'ulteriore quantità di F-16 e a non aggiornare quelli già esistenti ...

Cita

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the White House and Congress this week to make his country’s case for acquiring the F-35 stealth fighter jet while lobbying against Turkey’s attempts to upgrade its aging fleet of F-16s and acquire additional aircraft.
Not to be outdone, Turkish officials will visit Washington later this week to make their case for Congress to consent to an approximately $400 million deal to upgrade their F-16 jets with new missiles, radar and electronics - a prospect made more complicated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent vows to block Sweden and Finland from joining NATO.
On Monday, Mitsotakis announced after a meeting with President Joe Biden that Greece will move forward with its bid to acquire the F-35 after 2028.
“We will launch the process for the acquisition of a squadron of F-35 aircraft, and we do hope to be able to add this fantastic plane to the Greek Air Force before the end of this decade,” Mitsotakis said at the White House.
He also noted Lockheed Martin - which produces F-35s and F-16s - “officially expressed its interest in investing in Hellenic aerospace” last week, right before his visit to Washington.

... defensenews.com ... https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2022/05/17/greece-seeks-to-join-f-35-program-as-it-lobbies-against-turkey-f-16-sale/ ...

Anche qui ... psk.blog.24heures.ch ... http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2022/05/17/jusqu-a-40-f-35-pour-la-grece-873045.html ...

🇬🇷 & 🇺🇸

L'Olanda ha intenzione di acquistare in futuro altri sei F-35A, portando in tal modo la consistenza della sua flotta a cinquantadue esemplari ...

Cita

Le ministère néerlandais de la Défense va investir massivement dans de nouveaux équipements militaire. 
Le Lockheed Martin F-35A fait partie des futurs achats avec une augmentation de la flotte. 
La pays vise l’acquisition de 6 F-35A supplémentaires qui venir grossir la flotte de 46 appareils en commande. 
Un lot de 9 F-35 avait été commandé en plus en 2020.
--- --- ---
Les Pays-Bas préparent donc une troisième commande de F-35 qui portera le nombre à 52 appareils. 
En 2013, rien prédisait que le pays allait opter pour une augmentation du nombre d’avion. 
Les coûts du programme de l’époque étaient encore trop élevés et le prix à l’heure de vol était encore difficile à définir. 
Les choses ont bien changé, cette troisième commande confirme la maîtrise des coûts et l’excellent comportement de l’avion. 
On exclut d’ailleurs pas d’autres commandes qui pourraient monter la flotte à jusqu’à 70 appareils.

... psk.blog.24heures.ch ... http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2022/06/02/les-pays-bas-veulent-encore-plus-de-f-35 -873123.html ...

🇳🇱

Anche AINonline riporta la notizia ...

Cita

For the Koninklijke Luchtmacht (KLu, royal air force) the main element is the purchase of six more Lockheed Martin F-35As, raising the total number to 52. 
This will permit the creation of a third full squadron to join the current 313 Squadron at Volkel and 322 Squadron at Leeuwarden. 
The white paper also notes that “the entire F-35 fleet will be expanded with modern long-range and precision weapons” and that the future use of unmanned fighters is being examined. 
Long-range engagement and suppression of enemy air defenses are regarded as important aspects of future KLu operations.

... ainonline.com ... https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2022-06-03/more-f-35-fighters-dutch-defense-shopping-list ...

🇳🇱

La Giordania ha acquistato otto F-16 Block 70 di nuova produzione ...

Cita

Jordan has officially signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the sale of eight new production F-16 Block 70 aircraft.
“This F-16 acquisition reflects over 70 years of U.S. cooperation and decades of partnership with Lockheed Martin,” says Aimee Burnett, vice president, Integrated Fighter Group Business Development.

... news.lockheedmartin.com ... https://news.lockheedmartin.com/06-16-22-Jordan-to-Join-F-16-Block-70-Program ...

Anche qui ... shephardmedia.com/news ... https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/jordan-to-order-f-16-block-70-jets-after-loa-signing/ ...

🇯🇴

Leonardo si " allarga " :

https://www.aviation-report.com/leonardo-in-corsa-per-ulteriori-eurofighter-all-arabia-saudita-e-gli-aw149-alla-polonia/

anche se pensavo che l'Arabia Saudita fosse " zona commerciale " inglese per quanto riguarda la vendita dei Typhoon   .

Ipotesi dalla Turchia ? Anche considerando gli atteggiamenti di Ankara nei confronti di  Finlandia e Svezia , pecunia non olet :

https://www.aviation-report.com/dopo-stallo-degli-f35-e-degli-f16-la-turchia-potrebbe-acquistare-gli-eurofighter-typhoon/

Mah ...

Modificato 23 giugno 20224 anni da engine