Lessons learned from supplier switching on fast jet fleets
Indonesia has long managed the Sukhoi Su-30 in its air force. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Arya dhieva1)
How difficult is it for air forces to change aircraft fleets, moving from one defence hemisphere to another?
Changing an air force’s primary supplier of combat aircraft is not something to be done lightly. Beyond the obvious hardware and integration aspects it requires a focus on training and doctrine.
As F-35 exports have shown, procurement of military equipment is largely decided by politics over a weapon’s utility or its required capability or the weapon’s utility. Ships, tanks and combat aircraft are big-ticket items, infrequently sought, and represent a clear statement as to the customer’s defence and diplomatic ties.
Yet, by the same token, a change in government, or circumstance, and the resultant new geopolitical outlook can have an
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Trump’s drone directives win US industry support but questions remain over ability to challenge Chinese market dominance]()
Trump’s drone directives win US industry support but questions remain over ability to challenge Chinese market dominance
New presidential directives for UAV production are intended to remove bureaucratic barriers and support suppliers.
-
![Enhancing education: How CAE is embracing new technology to boost military training]()
Enhancing education: How CAE is embracing new technology to boost military training
In Conversation... Shephard's Gerrard Cowan talks to CAE's Marc-Olivier Sabourin about how the training and simulation industry can help militaries achieve essential levels of readiness by leveraging new technology, innovative procurement methods and a truly collaborative approach.
-
![Paris Air Show 2025: New capabilities, partnerships and next-gen programmes remain priority for industry]()
Paris Air Show 2025: New capabilities, partnerships and next-gen programmes remain priority for industry
As European countries increase their defence budgets, the Paris Air Show will look to how the aerospace industry’s responds, with programme progression, new technology and industrial partnerships all expected to take centre stage at Le Bourget.
-
![Paris Air Show 2025: Airbus Helicopters unveils new crewed-uncrewed teaming solution]()
Paris Air Show 2025: Airbus Helicopters unveils new crewed-uncrewed teaming solution
The solution, named HTeaming, has already been tested in flight with a Spanish Navy H135 helicopter and an Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS).
