US Approves $110 Million Defense Equipment to Support Netherlands Air Force F-16 Aircraft

The US State Department has approved sale of defense articles and services in support of continuation of a Continental United States (CONUS) based Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16 Formal Training Unit for an estimated cost of $110 million.

The Government of the Netherlands has requested to buy defense articles and services in support of continuation of a Continental United States (CONUS) based Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16 Formal Training Unit, to include up to 27 GBU-12 Inert Paveway IIs. Also included are PGU-27 Inert training rounds, Impulse Cartridges, MJU-7/B Flares, RR-188 Chaff, BDU-33/B and BDU-50/B training munitions, fuel and air refueling support, airlift services, base operating support, facilities, publications and technical documentation, pilot training, personnel training and training equipment, weapon system and software support, US Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics personnel services, and other related elements of logistics and program support, Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement Wednesday.

This potential sale will continue to improve the Royal Netherlands Air Force's (RNLAF) ability to develop mission-ready and experienced pilots to support its F-16 aircraft inventory. The well-established pilot proficiency training program at Tucson Air National Guard Base will train pilots in F-16 operations, tactics, techniques, and procedures. This training will enhance the RNLAF's ability to continue contributions to Overseas Contingency Operations and to NATO air policing operations, as well as, to possible future coalitions operations.