Dutch Leaning to Delay Purchase of F-35 Until 2019, Denmark to Hold Competition for its Next Tactical Aircraft Purchase

Jul 12 2011 David Pugliese’s Defence Watch

 The Star Telegram in Fort Worth, Texas keeps a close eye on the F-35 file.

Here is some of what they reported today:

Denmark last year delayed a decision on whether to buy the F-35 , Boeing F/A-18E/F or Saab Gripen NG. The fall election as well as Denmark's role in aiding the NATO operations in Libyan could put new momentum behind the Dane's aircraft shopping plans. Although Denmark was an original partner nation in the F-35 development consortium, the country has since opted to hold a competition for its next tactical aircraft purchase.

Meanwhile, over on AvWeek's Ares blog, the ever vigilant Bill Sweetman reports the Dutch are leaning towards delaying purchases of F-35 production jets until late in the decade, not taking first delivery until around 2019.

Read more: http://blogs.star-telegram.com/sky_talk/2011/07/more-indecision-on-f-35-in-europe.html#ixzz1RuykDrQw