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Jet fighter requirements of current Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) of European airforces

By Guest contributors for CEOWORLD Magazine Updated:October 22, 2009

An overview of the European jet fighter market shows that several fighter campaigns in Europe, still under way in 2001, are over now. Alternatives have been choosen and the four years of delay in the development of the and rising cost of the JSF since 2001 has worsened the situation in some countries.

Albania

Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
No jet fighters.
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
No

Austria

Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
Since July 2007 the Austrian airforce is using the Eurofighter Typhoon. The original order of 24 has been reduced to 18, then to 15. Delivery will be completed in 2010. The 15 Eurofighter Typhoons are the replacement of 24 Saab Draken fighters. The Typhoon will be operational until 2037.

Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
Austria cannot be considered as a JSF prospect.

Belarus

Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
40x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29
35x Sukhoi Su-24
50+ Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot-A
5x Sukhoi Su-25UB Frogfoot-B
23x Sukhoi Su-27
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
No

Belgium

Background
In 2002, the Belgian government decided to impose a “single structure” on its armed forces in which the independent Belgian Air Force ceased to exist. The former Air Force became the Belgium Air Component (COMOPSAIR) of the Armed Forces It consists of 2nd Tactical Wing at AFB Florennes and 10th Tactical Wing at AFB Kleine Brogel, both flying F-16’s (total of 4 squadrons). Out of the 160 F-16s originally bought by Belgium, only 105 were upgraded; with further reductions to 72 aircraft in 2005; and planned reduction to 60 in 2015.

Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
53x F-16AM
15x F-16BM
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
Belgium is planning to start the decision process to replace the F-16 in 2015 at the earliest, with retirement of the F-16 in the twenties. Also an end-life update of the F-16 is under consideration yet with a life extension until 2025-2030. Due to budget restrictions the wanted one-for-one replacement seems to be impossible, according to some political leaders.

Belgium was identified by Lockheed Martin officials as one of the possible buyers in presentations to the industry in 2007. The presentation mentions also a start of the acquisition process in 2013 with Letter of Acceptance procedure in 2014 and contract finalising early 2015. First F-35As would be delivered in 2017. Also in a document
produced for the Dutch Parliament (Basis Document, 2001) a possible requirement of 48+ Belgian planes to replace the current F-16s had been mentioned. However, the facts show this is commercial wishful thinking.

When the decision process starts in 2015 the F-35 may be one of the contenders, but also European choices like Dassault Rafale and the cheaper to operate Saab Gripen are candidates. A maximum number of 40-45 aircraft seem to be realistic.

Bosnia-Herzigovina

Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
1x Soko Galeb G-4
10x Soko J1
7x Soko J22 Orao
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
No

Bulgaria
The past decade Bulgaria has been trying actively to restructure its airforce. Currently the attack and defence squadrons of the Bulgarian Air Force are composed mainly of around 12 MIG-21s, 16 MIG-29s (of 22) and some Su-25s. In the past there were also several Su-22s, used primary for surveillance purposes. The condition of these Su-22s and most of the Su- 25s (23 aircraft) is bad. A lot of problems has occurred on keeping the aging Russian aircraft
operational.

Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
Only some 12 MiG-21bis and MiG-21U of almost 240 acquired from the 60s until the 90s would be in service and some 60 or more are parked on Graf Ignatievo Air Base. A total of 16 MiG-29 fighters are being modernized in order to meet NATO standards, 7 are operational at the moment.

Operational:
12x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
7x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29
4x Sukhoi Su-25UBK Frogfoot-B and some (6?) Sukhoi Su-25K Frogfoot-A

Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
To meet the NATO standards Bulgaria wants to modernize the Air Force. But, as a result of new helicopter and transport aircraft purchases it was decided to delay the purchase of new fighters. It is hoped extra funds can be secured in 2009-2011 to purchase 12-24 jet fighters. The main competitors are (new or used) SAAB JAS 39 Gripen, Lockheed Martin F-16 and Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. After replacement the requirement for new fighter jets will be
fulfilled until 2040. Bulgaria cannot be considered as a JSF candidate.

Croatia

The long-term defence plan envisaged a purchase of 12 multirole fighters, which were to start entering service by 2010. An official tender calls for 12 aircraft. In late 2007 requests for proposals were issued to the users and manufacturers of the Saab Gripen, F-16, Mirage F-1, Eurofighter and MiG-29. All responded by March 2008. final decision was expected in late 2008 or early 2009. In November 2008 the Croatian government decided to postpone the tender due to the worldwide economic situation. As an interim solution until new fighters are purchased, six to seven MiG-21s (out of over 12 stored a few years ago) might be reactivated after overhaul and modernization. These would join the 12 MiGs modernized in 2003, whose operational life would be extended until 2012. A final decision is expected in mid-2009 by which time a completely new long-term defence plan will have been made.

At the same time, after years of research and discussions, Air Force experts have concluded that the Croatian AF can not effectively patrol the airspace with only 12 fighters, but needs at least 16 to 18 fighter aircraft in order to fulfill all its operational tasks.

Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
8x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21bisD single seaters
4x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21UMD twin-seaters
The total of 12 MiG-21 are to be retired in 2011. These MiG-21s were modernized in 2003. An additional twelve MiG-21bis aircraft are stored and awaiting possible reactivation if the fighter procurement gets further delayed. Since 1996 a total number of 15x MiG-21 has been dismantled for spare parts.
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
Croatia plans to modernize its air force by introducing 12-18 multirole fighters. In the competition are Saab Jas-39C/D Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29M2 and F-16. After replacement Croatia will have no need for new fighters until 2040. Croatia cannot be considered as a JSF opportunity.

Cyprus
Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
Cyprus has no fighter component in the Armed Forces.
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
No

Czech Republic

After the split in the 90s of the Czechoslovak Republik in the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic in both countries the MiG-29 was the most modern fighter. However, soon the maintenance costs of the Czech MiG-29 Fulcrums turned out to be too high. Also, as the Czech Republic prepared to become a member of NATO in 1999, it developed new concepts of operations and a new planning for future airforce, including the acquisition of new western fighters. The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23MFs were retired in 1994. The MiG-23MLs in 1998 and the MiG-21s were used to bridge a transition period before buying a new type.

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen multi-role fighter aircraft was choosen, with the flood disaster that hit the country during 2003 delaying the deal. 14 Gripens are leased for a 10 year period with an all-in lease agreement (excluding fuel), with the possibility to lease again after this period. There are no signals that after 2013 the lease will not be extended. In fact there is a recommendation on the Gripen and a (military) requirement for a second squadron.

Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)

12 JAS39C and 2 JAS39D leased for 10 years (2003-2013)

Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter

Czech is considering to buy the Gripens, that were leased in 2003 and to expand the fleet with some more Gripens. Czech Republic was identified by Lockheed Martin officials as one of the possible buyers in presentations to the industry in 2007. Also in a document produced for the Dutch Parliament (Basis Document, 2001) a possible requirement of 24-36 Czech planes to replace the old Su-22 and MiG-21 had been mentioned. However, the facts show this is commercial wishful thinking and has become out of date. Czech Republic cannot be considered as a JSF opportunity after the successful introduction of the Saab Gripen. Also there are important budget constraints.

Denmark
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
Denmark is one of nine JSF partner countries.

Estonia
Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
No jet fighters. After Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia joined the NATO organization back in 2004, their air space is protected by NATO. NATO members provide usually 4 fighter aircraft, based in Lithuania, to police the Baltic States airspace. The deployments rotate between NATO members The Baltic States are interested in a collective fighter capability in the near future.
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
No

Finland

A variant of the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet with restricted ground attack capabilities is the backbone of the Finnish Air Force. The decision to purchase the F-18 Hornet (A total of 64; 57 single-seated F-18C and 7 dual-seate F-18D) was made in 1992, soon after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. In the past Finland had a mixed fleet of Western and Russian aircraft to keep a certain neutrality. Due to budget constraints the number of fighters to be purchased was decreased to only 64. The Hornet was assembled by Patria in Finland and is in service since 1995-2000 with an estimated end-of-life around 2025-2030. A third phase MLU was approved in 2008 .

Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)

55x Boeing F-18C Hornet
7x Boeing F-18D Hornet

Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter

Finland was identified by Lockheed Martin officials as one of the possible buyers in presentations to the industry in 2007 . However, the facts show it will be a long-term foreign military sales opportunity. A study (2008) of the Finnish Ministry of Defence calls for a possible replacement of the current F-18 by the F-35 in 2025-2030, but with a smaller
number than the current fleet. Important budget constraints may play a role.

France
Current jet fighter fleet Armee de l’Air (Airforce) (August 2009)
193x Dassault Mirage 2000C /D /N
34x Dassault Mirage 2000-5
93x Dassault Mirage F1CR/CT (to be replaced by Rafales)
Ultimo 2008:
31x Rafale B/C delivered
14x Rafale ordered, delivery 2009
15x Rafale ordered, delivery 2010
11x Rafale ordered, delivery 2011
8x Rafale ordered, delivery 2012
5x Rafale ordered, delivery 2013
5x Rafale ordered, delivery 2014

Delivery of upgraded Rafales to F3 standard will start in 2014. The ultimate plan is to reduce the Armee de l’Air to a smaller more flexible force of 300 fighters (Mirage 2000 and Rafale).

Current jet fighters Naval Air Fleet
45x Dassault Super Etendard (to be replaced by 37 Rafales, not one-by-one)
9x Dassault Rafale M (F1) stored to be upgraded to F3 standard
13x Dassault Rafale M (F2) delivered
3x Dassault Rafale M (F2) ordered
12x Dassault Rafale M (F3) ordered
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
A non European choice would not seem a probability.

Germany

In the 1980s the (over 1000) Starfighters were completely replaced by US-built McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II fighters and European Panavia Tornado fighter-bombers, a joint product of the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. The Phantom and Tornado are still main fighters of the Luftwaffe, with a lot of upgrades to their electronics and the addition of the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile for the air defense of Germany. The upgraded F-4F Phantom will be operational until 2015 after having been in service since 1982.

Beginning in June 1979, the Luftwaffe took delivery of 212 Panavia Tornado IDS/ECR fighters and the German Navy (Marineflieger) received 112 Tornado IDSs. In late 2004 the last Navy Tornado unit was disbanded. The maritime combat role has taken over by the Luftwaffe by a unit with upgraded Tornados (carrying Kormoran II and AGM-88 HARM missiles). The F-4F Phantom will be replaced from 2012 by Eurofighter Typhoons.

On 13 January 2004, the Ministry of Defence announced major changes to the German armed forces. A major part was the plan to cut the German fighter fleet from 426 aircraft in early 2004 to 265 by 2015. Assuming the full German order for 180 Eurofighter Typhoons is fulfilled, this will see the Tornado force reduced to 85. Two wings of Tornado’s will be operational until 2020, JBG32 at AFB Lechfeld with the Tornado ECR/IDS version (flying since 1985) and AG51 at AFB Jagel with the reconnaissance version flying since 1993 [$51.AFM1008]. Total or partial replacement by unmanned aerial vehicles will be a possibility.

Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)

64x McDonnell Douglas F4F in service and 12 more in storage [#51.106]
33x Panavia Tornado ECR electronic warfare
164x Panavia Tornado IDS attack/reconnaissance (and 2 extra in storage) [#51.106]
12x Panavia Tornado IDS training (and 1 extra in storage) [#51.106]
Total fleet of Eurofighter Typhoon will consist of (introduced 2006):
145x Eurofighter Typhoon single seat (21 in service; 124 ordered) [#51.106]
33x Eurofighter Typhoon dual seat (14 in service; 19 ordered)
The contract finalizing of the Tranche3A has been completed in Summer 2009 (31 ordered) with contract finalizing of the last Trache 3B expected in 2011.

Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter

It is remarkable that still in 2007 Germany was identified by Lockheed Martin officials as one of the possible buyers in presentations to the industry in 2007 . Indeed, some presentations were made in Germany after professional interest showed by Germany. However, the facts show this is more commercial wishful thinking then realism as since the
late 1970s, the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) of West Germany and later the reunited Germany has actively pursued the construction of an European aerospace industry, as shown in combat aircraft like the Panavia Tornado and its successor the Eurofighter Typhoon.

So Germany cannot be considered as a JSF opportunity after the successful introduction of the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Greece

As a result of Greek-Turkish tensions (mind the Turkish invasion in 1974 in Cyprus) the country has a relatively large air force (Hellenic Air Force). In the 1960s and 1970s the HAF fleet consisted of US aircraft (F-104 Starfighter, F-102 Delta Dagger, F-5 Freedom Fighter, F-4 Phantom) and French Dassault Mirage F1CGs.

In 1988 the first fourth generation fighters were introduced with the arrival of Mirage 2000 EG/BG aircraft and in 1989 with the arrival of F-16C/D Block 30 aircraft. But still in november 1992 more RF-4E were delivered to replace 34 year old RF-84 Thunderflash aircraft. In 1997 the replacement by fourth generation aircraft continued with the arrival of the First of forty F-16 Block 50.

In September 2004 started the Mirage 2000BG/EG fleet upgrade to the standard 2000-5 Mk2, a project executed by Dassault in cooperation with the local Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB).

In 2005, Greece started adding a total number of 60 4.5th generation F-16 Block 52+ (original contract of 90) to its inventory. Several units with old A-7E Corsairs and F-4 Phantoms have ended their operational life and the Hellenic Air Force, according to the Supreme Air Force Council “2007-2012 operational planning” study (published in 2007)
would have a requirement of a total fleet of 300 modern 4th tot 5th generation aircraft.

In recent years several Request for Information were issued to Eurofighter (Typhoon), Dassault (Rafale), Lockheed Martin (F-16 and F-35), Boeing (F/A-18 Super Hornet, F-15H Eagle), Saab (Gripen) and also a pro-Russian lobby in Greece is promoting the acquisition of Sukhoi Su-35s (keep in mind Greece also bought advanced Russian S-300 surface-airmissiles).

Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)

17x Dassault Mirage 2000-5 Mk2
26x Dassault Mirage 2000 EGM
3x Dassault Mirage 2000 BGM
A total of 10 M2000 EGM/BGM were upgraded with radar capabilities and weapons systems bringing them to Mirage 2000-5 standard.
53x F-4E 2000 ; RF-4E
A total of 36 F-4E Phantoms have been upgraded with advanced electronics under the program “Peace Icarus 2000″, this end-life-update will extend the F-4E in service date until about 2015.
49x A7E/H Corsair II (2 stored, partly out of service since 2007)
13x TA-7C Corsair II
The A-7E and TA-7C will be replaced by the F-16 C/D Block 52+ in 2009-2010.
34x Lockheed Martin F-16C block 30 (1989-1990)
6x Lockheed Martin F-16D block 30 (1989)
32x Lockheed Martin F-16C block 50 (1997-1998)
8x Lockheed Martin F-16C block 50 (1997-1998)
40x Lockheed Martin F-16C Block 52 (2002-2004)
20x Lockheed Martin F-16C Block 52 (2002-2004)
18x Lockheed Martin F-16C Block 52+ (delivery in 2009-2010)
12x Lockheed Martin F-16D Block 52+ (delivery in 2009-2010)

Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter

Greece was identified by Lockheed Martin officials as one of the possible buyers in presentations to the industry in 2007 . The presentation mentions also a start of the acquisition process in 2008 with Letter of Acceptance procedure in 2011 and contract finalising late 2011. First F-35As would be delivered early 2014.

However, the facts show this is commercial wishful thinking. There is no current F-35 RFI running. In short term there is a requirement to replace the last A-7H Corsair and F-4E Phantom. A RFI is running at the moment with Rafale, Eurofighter, Gripen, F-16C/D and Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet as competitors for a 40+ quantitiy to be delivered between 2012 and 2015.

In the longer term there is a requirement to replace the Mirage 2000 and oldest F-16C/D aircraft. This long term requirement may be seen as an export opportunity for the F-35 JSF.

Hungary

After the invasion in November 1956 of the Soviet forces in Hungary the air force was demobilized and later a new air force was resurrected as an integral part of the army. After 1990 the Hungarian Air Force remained primarily just as a small defensive force, since 2002 integrated in the NATO with the flying units of the air force organised into a single Air
Command. The fleet of MiG-29 fighters will be replaced by new fighters. Since 2006 the Hungarian Air Force is leasing 12 Saab JAS-39C Gripens and 2 Saab JAS-39D dualseaters, for 12 years with a buy-option after this period. A total of 8 MiG-29 is remaining from the original 28 MiG-29 and MiG-29UB fighters, with a (military) requirement to buy an
additional 4 to 10 Saab JAS39 Gripens to replace them.

Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)

8 x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29
12 x Saab JAS-39C
2 x Saab JAS-39D

Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter

Hungary was identified by Lockheed Martin officials as one of the possible buyers in presentations to the industry in 2007. Also in a document produced for the Dutch Parliament (Basis Document, 2001) a possible requirement of an unknown number of Hungarian planes to replace the MiG-21 and MiG-29 had been mentioned. However, the facts show this is commercial wishful thinking and has become out of date after the successful introduction (for a 30-year service period 2006-2036) of the Saab Gripen in the Hungarian Air Force.

Hungary cannot be considered as a JSF opportunity after the successful introduction of the Saab Gripen. Also there are important budget constraints.

Iceland

Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
No fighter component in the Armed Forces
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
No JSF candidate

Ireland
Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
No fighter component in the Armed Forces
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
No JSF candidate

Italy
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
Italy is one of nine JSF partner countries.

Latvia
Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
No fighter component in the Armed Forces. After Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia joined the NATO organization back in 2004, their air space is protected by NATO. NATO members provide usually 4 fighter aircraft, based in Lithuania, to police the Baltic States airspace. The deployments rotate between NATO members The Baltic States are are interested in a collective fighter capability in the near future.
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
No JSF candidate

Lithuania
Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
No fighter component in the Armed Forces. Baltic states After Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia joined the NATO organization back in 2004, their air space is protected by NATO. NATO members provide usually 4 fighter aircraft, based in Lithuania, to police the Baltic States airspace. The deployments rotate between NATO members The Baltic States are are interested in a collective fighter capability in the near future.
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
No JSF candidate

Luxembourg
Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
No airforce
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
No

Macedonia
Macedonia, as one of the former Yugoslav States, started the development of an own Macedonian Air Force from scratch in 1991. In June 2001 four Sukhoi Su-25 (three Su-25 and one Su-25UB) arrived, making them the first combat fighters for the Macedonian Air Force and Air Defence Forces. The four Su-25 Frogfoots were withdrawn from use during 2004 according to the draft to join NATO. Macedonia has no intention of operating jet fighters in the future and will depend on its NATO allies for defence of its airspace.
Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
No fighter component in the Armed Forces
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
No JSF candidate

Malta
Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
No fighter component in the Armed Forces
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
No JSF candidate

Moldova
Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
No jet fighters
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
No

Montenegro
Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
15x Soko G-4
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
No

The Netherlands
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
The Netherlands is one of nine JSF partner countries.

Norway

Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
Norway is one of nine JSF partner countries.

Poland

During the 1990s, Poland did not purchase any new combat planes, and only purchased some used MiG-29s from the Czech Republic (1995) and Germany (2004). From 1997, the Polish government started looking looking for a replacement for its ageing fleet of MiG-21 and Su-22 aircraft. The original requirement was for 100 multi-purpose fighters, to replace an existing fleet of 350 combat aircraft. The Soviet-era MiG-21s were finally withdrawn in 2003.

So, in 2004, the only combat aircraft were the air-superiority Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-22 ground attack aircraft, with a restricted combat value. In 2003, the Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 52 was chosen as a new multi-role fighter after a heavy competition with European aerospace companies Dassault (Mirage 2000) and Saab
(JAS-39 Gripen). The US$ 3.5 billion deal was won by the USA after a surprising 260% offset agreement between Lockheed-Martin and the Polish government, which sees an amount of up to $9.7 billion return in the Polish economy. Major projects include plans by General Motors to expand a plant in Gliwice, Poland, and a pledge by Motorola to invest in a state-of-the-art communication system for Polish public services.

First deliveries of a total of 48 F-16s took place in November 2006 and will continue until 2009 with three squadrons fully operational in 2012.

Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
36x Lockheed Martin F-16C Block 52+ (multi-role)
12x Lockheed Martin F16D Block 52+ (mulit-role, twinseat)
25x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29 (Air Superiority)
6x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29UB (twin seat)
The MiG-29 fleet consists of 12 purchased in 1989; some used Czech (1995) and some used former German aircraft (2004). Service life may end around 2015-2016. 48x Sukhoi Su-22M4K and Sukhoi Su-22UM3K Ground Attack aircraft; remaining from 110 purchased in 1984; to be retired in 2012, being replaced by the new F-16s.
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
Poland was identified by Lockheed Martin officials as one of the possible buyers in presentations to the industry in 2007. Also in a document produced for the Dutch Parliament (Basis Document, 2001) a possible requirement of an unknown number of Polish planes to replace the MiG-21 and MiG-29 had been mentioned. At that time Poland
had indicated that it wanted to join the EMD (SDD) phase of the JSF, but in 2001 it was not clear at which level. Later it became clear financially it was not feasible and Poland made a choice to buy new F-16Cs and F-16Ds.

Poland a anti-ballistic missile base. The document was signed in Warsaw by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski. The United States will help modernize the Polish army, Washington has committed itself to defend the Polish in the event of an attack, Poland will take over a dozen (probably 19) Patriot PAC-3 missiles from the U.S. Army and part of the agreement is that the Polish Air Force will start contracting about the purchase of “several additional multi-purpose aircraft (about 50) F-16”. The replacement of the MiG-29 cannot be suspended any longer, and the F-35 is not an option by several reasons (not available in time, affordability). After the purchase of 50 more F16s Poland will not have a fighter requirement until the late 30s. So, the facts show Poland is no longer a JSF candidate, certainly not in near term.

Portugal

Since the military coup in 1974 after the revolutions in the Portugese colonies Mozambique, Angola and Portugese Guinea during the late 1960s, Portugal has changed the organisation of the Portugese Air Force and reduced the number of aircraft from 850 in 1974 to only about 290 in 1976. The 1990s brought the acquisition of modern aircraft such as 20 new F-16 Block 15 Fighting Falcons and a second batch of 25 F-16 Block 15s, which replaced the 50 A-7P Corsair II and the relocation of several squadrons to other bases.

Portugal joined the European Participating Air Forces (EPAF), a cooperation (F-16 Project Group) of The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Norway and Portugal for the sustainment and upgrading of F-16s in Europe. Receiving MLU packages by Portugese aircraft was a slow process, being seriously hampered by operational an budget limitations.
Original procurement of F16s:
17x F-16AM (Block 15OCU) (New, delivery 1994-1995)
3x F-16BM (Block 15OCU) (New, delivery 1994)
21x F-16A (Block 15) (Used, ex-USAF/ANG 1999-2000)
4x F-16B (Block 15) (Used, ex-USAF/ANG 1999-2000)
Back in 2007 some non-MLU F16s were available for sales (in storage). If and when this sale will materialize is still uncertain. The impact at current F-16 squadrons is also unclear.
Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
21x Lockheed Martin F-16AM
6x Lockheed Martin F16BM
Two squadrons are operational with F-16s at AFB Monte Real
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
Portugal was identified by Lockheed Martin officials as one of the possible buyers in presentations to the industry in 2007. Also in a document produced for the Dutch Parliament (Basis Document, 2001) a possible requirement of an unknown number of Portugese planes to replace the A-7 Corsairs had been mentioned. However, the facts show this has become out of date. The main part of the current fleet of F16s has been delivered in 1994-1995 and may be operational until 2018-2025. In that timeframe in a possible fighter competition the F-35 may play a role. However, not without competition, because also European companies have mentioned Portugal as an option in their sales
analysis.

Romania

The Romanian Air Force is in process to replacing its Mig 21 Lancer (Digital Fishbeds) with maximum 48 new multirole aircraft .The most probable contenders are the Lockheed Martin F-16, Saab Gripen and Eurofighter Typhoon, but also Dassault Rafale and Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet have been mentioned as a possibility. The budget is around US$ 4.5 billion. Several options are under consideration, including buying used aircraft or a mixed new/used fleet. Attempts to purchase surpluis F-16s from Belgium or The Netherlands have not been materialised. In May 2008 the Romanian government requested the US DSCA permission for a possible sale of 24 new F-16C/D Block 52s and 24 used F-16C/D Block 25s [$51.AFM0209]. A decision will be taken in 2010 by the government . The Mig 21 will reach their end of operational service in 2012.
Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
38 LanceR A ground attack
11 LanceR B dualseat training
20 LanceR C airdefense
All upgraded MiG-21 LanceRs (the remaining fleet) being delivered between 1978-1981 and upgraded by the own aviation industry with help of Israel.
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
Romania was not identified by Lockheed Martin officials as one of the possible buyers in presentations to the industry in 2007.
However, in 2008 in an attempt to safeguard a US sales to Romania, the USA has offered a “lease option” of 48 F-16C/Ds from USAF Air National Guard reserves until 2020, when Romania makes a commitment to buy the F-35 starting from 2020. Romania would gain the status of partner in the Joint Strike Fighter Program. But Romania wants to have important industrial “off-set” and with no fixed price known and with the restrictions in defense budgets
this may not be probable.

Serbia

The Serbian Air Force fleet consists of some remaining Russian and indigenous combat aircraft. The Air Force is looking to replace the aging Migs with a new multirole fighter. The former-Yugoslav Air Force already had plans to replace the MiG-21s, but the wars stopped all projects. The Air Force also has many former-Yugoslav designed and manufactured aircraft. These combat aircraft included the Soko G-4 Super Galeb and the Soko J-22 Orao.

There are no reliable figures about the number of these aircraft still in-service, but there may be assumed that some 32 attack J-22/attack-trainer NJ-22 aircraft are in service.

Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
3x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29B (own typecode L-18; since 1987)
1x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29UB (own typecode NL-18, since 1987)
24x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21bis (own typecode L-17, delivered 1977-1983)
7x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21UM (own typecode NL-16, delivered 1977-1980)
1x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21M (own typecode L-15, delivery 1977)
15x Soko J-22 Orao
7x Soko NJ-22 Orao
8x Soko IJ-22 Orao
2x Soko INJ-22 Orao
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
No

Republika Srpska
Current jet fighter fleet (2006)
9x Soko J-21 Jastreb (attack/reconaissance)
7x Soko J-22 Orao (attack)
1 x Soko G-4 Super Galeb
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
No

Russia
Current jet fighter fleet Airforce (August 2009)
39x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25
405x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29
307x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-31
320x Sukhoi Su-24
250x Sukhoi Su-25
30x Sukhoi Su-25UB Frogfoot-B
6x Sukhoi Su-25SM Frogfoot
445x Sukhoi Su-27/30 Flanker
10x Sukhoi Su-34 and 48 in order, to be fielded in 2015
(Total requirement until 2022: 300 Sukhoi Su-34s)
300x PAK-FA (requirement planning)
Current jet fighter fleet Navy (August 2009)
94x Sukhoi Su-24
8x Sukhoi Su-25UBP
6x Sukhoi Su-25UTG
23x Sukhoi Su-27
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
No

Slovakia

After the split in the 90s of the Czechoslovak Republik in the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic in both countries the MiG-29 was the most modern fighter. Also, as the Slovak Republic prepared to become a member of NATO in 1999, it developed new concepts of operations and a new squadron organisation.

In the 1990s Slovakia retired the older aircraft, including the entire fleet of Sukhoi Su-22 attack bombers and Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 interceptors Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
Status July 2009
10x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29AS 1993-1996
2x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29UBS 1993-1996
1x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29UB (ex-Czech) in use after being overhauled
7x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29A (ex Czech) in storage
1x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29UB (ex Czech) in storage

Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter

Slovak is considering to buy a replacement for the MiG-29 with several options under consideration. There is a requirement for 14 fighter jets. Slovak Republic cannot be considered as a JSF opportunity, because the end-of-life of the MiG-29 will be within the 2012-2015 timeframe and there are important budget constraints.

Slovenia

Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
In 2004 Slovenia entered NATO. Since NATO is responsible for protecting the Slovenian airspace. The planning is to operate own jet aircraft (acquisition process will start in 2010- 2011) from 2015 and major restructuring of the Airbase Cerklje has been planned.
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
No

Spain

After the decision to participate in the NATO (membership since 1982) the organization and equipment of the Spanish Air Force was modernised. Planes like the French Mirage III and Mirage F1 were the backbone of the Air Force during the 1970s and 1980s until the arrival of the US Boeing F/A-18 Hornet in the late 1980s.

The Spanish Air Force is currently replacing older fighter aircraft in the inventory with the recently introduced Eurofighter Typhoon, manufactured with Spanish participation.

Current jet fighter fleet Air Force (August 2009)
36x Dassault Mirage F1M (since 1975)
3 x Dassault Mirage F1BM (since 1975)
67x Boeing EF-18M Hornet (since 1986, being replaced by Eurofighter Typhoon)
18x Boeing F/A-18A+ Hornet (used, ex-US Navy, additional procurement in 2004)
20x Northrop F-5BM (training, in use since 1970)
36x Eurofighter Typhoon since 2003
14x Eurofighter Typhoon two-seat since 2003
The total procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon will consist of 87 Eurofighters (71 single seat and 16 dual seat) with deliveries divided in several tranches: 19 in Tranche 1, 34 in Tranche 2, 20 in Tranche 3A and 14 in Tranche 3B.
Current jet fighter fleet Navy (Armada) (August 2009)
The Spanish Navy operates a total of 17 EAV-8B Harrier aircraft:
12x McDonnel-Douglas EAV-8B Matador (Harrier II) (1987-1988)
4x McDonnel-Douglas EAV-8B+ Matador (Harrier II+) (1996)
1x McDonnel-Douglas TAV-8B
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
Spanish Navy is identified by Lockheed Martin officials as one of the possible buyers in presentations to the industry in 2007. The presentation mentions also a start of the acquisition process in 2011 with Letter of Acceptance procedure in 2013 and contract finalising early 2014. First F-35Bs would be delivered in 2016.

Spain was seen as an inevitable F-35B customer for the simple reason the Navy is a Harrier operator. And indeed, around 2000 Rear Admiral Craig Steidle of the JPO has briefed the Spanish Navy about the capabilities.

Sweden

Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
131x Saab JAS39A/C with 31 ordered
23x Saab JAS39B/D with 5 ordered
Total 190, but a lot of them are in storage. Budget constraints will bring back the total number of the Swedish Gripen fleet to 100 aircraft. Surplus aircraft are being offered to other countries in cooperation with Saab, including avionics upgrading packages.
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
Having an own fighter industry (Saab) and a long term commitment until 2040 between the Swedish Air Force and Saab to use and continuously upgrade the current JAS-39 Gripen fighters, Sweden cannot be considered as a potential JSF candidate. In 2008 an agreement was signed to investigate the possibility to upgrade old JAS-39 Gripens to Gripen NG status.

Switzerland

Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
26x Boeing F/A-18C Hornet
7x Boeing F/A-18D Hornet
47x Northrop F-5E Tiger II
12x Northrop F-5F Tiger II
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
In 2008 a competition started between Eurofighter, Rafale and Gripen for a partial fighter replacement of F-5 Tigers, sheduled to be replaced after 2010. A decision was originally due to be taken in 2009, but has been delayed until early 2010. A requirement for 22-33 fighters. The fighter that will replace the F-5 Tiger also will be the most probable
replacement of the Hornet. Total Swiss Air Force will be reduced in the future.

Switzerland was identified by Lockheed Martin officials as one of the possible buyers in presentations to the industry in 2007. However, the facts of the current fighter replacement competion show this is commercial wishful thinking and has become out of date. Switzerland cannot be considered as a JSF opportunity.

Turkey
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
Turkey is one of nine JSF partner countries.

Ukraine

Current jet fighter fleet (August 2009)
220x Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29
55x Sukhoi Su-17
230x Sukhoi Su-24
30+x Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot-A
5+x Sukhoi Su-25UB Frogfoot-B
74x Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
No

United Kingdom
Opportunities Joint Strike Fighter
The United Kingdom is one of nine JSF partner countries.

By Johan Boeder (The Netherlands) started publishing about aviation in 1977 as a freelance author and publicist working for several newspapers. Since 2007 he advices Members of Parliament in several European countries as an independent expert on the F-35 fighter program and business case.

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