KLu RNLAF Dutch F-16s to get new flaperons, contract completed end of 2026/start of 2027...

[Stratofreighter]

https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air- ... for-f-16s/

Dutch to receive flaperons for F-16s
2nd February 2022 - 15:15 GMT |

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.

https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air- ... for-f-16s/

[Worldnis]

The workings behind FMS and their published end of contract dates leading to a 2026-2027 out of service conclusion, I don't buy that. All efforts to make the transition to F-35 are in full swing, I do believe 2024 or mid-2025 at the latest is the end date still standing. The aircraft will most likely be sold including the flaperon kit, installed or not. Soon, KLu will stop pilot training, Volkel, the 2nd and last F-35 base is expecting their first aircraft this year and heavy maintenance on F-16 is about to stop. Fleet hour balancing and on with the new.