Dutch to receive flaperons for F-16s
RNLAF F-16AM at Volkel Air Base. (Photo: Netherlands MoD)
Venerable Dutch F-16 fleet will receive new flaperons via the FMS programme.
Aerospace & Commercial Technologies is supplying the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) with flaperons to stabilise F-16AM aircraft at low speed during take-off and landing.
The Fort Worth, Texas-based company obtained a sole-source five-year FMS deal worth up to $10.66 million from the Defense Logistics Agency.
Work will be carried out in the Netherlands and US for completion by 26 January 2027.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that the RNLAF ordered a total of 213 F-16A/B Block 1, 5, 10 and 15 aircraft (designated F-16AM) between 1979 and 1989 as one of the original NATO customers.
Most have been sold second-hand to other air forces or private-sector training organisations, but a few dozen remain in service.
However, the F-16AMs will be replaced by 46 F-35As. Deliveries of the F-35A to the Netherlands are underway with 15 in place at Leeuwarden Air Base.
The F-16AM will remain in RNLAF service until 2024-2025, although the term of the flaperon contract suggests an extension beyond that date.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports]()
Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports
The E-7A is one of three aircraft submitted for the South Korean AEW&C II competition, which seeks to acquire four more aircraft of the type for its air force by 2028.
-
![France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage]()
France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage
Tensions on the programme have long simmered, with Airbus and Dassault recently clashing over workshare in June ahead of the Paris Air Show. The sixth-generation fighter programme is due to replace Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon jets beginning in 2040.
-
![US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk]()
US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk
The trainer aircraft recently completed the second round of extreme weather trials after enduring icy, windy and sunny conditions.
-
![US Navy acquires additional anti-submarine warfare kits for P-8A Poseidon aircraft]()
US Navy acquires additional anti-submarine warfare kits for P-8A Poseidon aircraft
The contract modification, awarded to Boeing, is worth $61.2 million and will support the US Navy’s (USN's) evolution of its P-8 Poseidon aircraft as continued upgrades are made to boost its capabilities and lethality.
-
![Union slams “self-sabotage” of UK government over Typhoon production]()
Union slams “self-sabotage” of UK government over Typhoon production
The UK Ministry of Defence remains resolute that the Typhoon sits at the heart of the country’s air defence capabilities and is focused on the aircraft’s potential export orders, despite its continued focus on F-35 procurement.
