Chile wants more F-16's

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Chile is interested in purchasing another batch of refurbished F 16 fighter
bombers for the Air Force, according to diplomatic sources in Santiago which was partially confirmed by Defence officials.
The new fighters to be purchased from Holland would replace the ageing F-5 Tiger III to be decommissioned next year.
Chile currently has 28 F-16
fighter bombers, of which ten model C/D Block 50 were purchased brand new in 2002 as part of the free trade agreement signed with United States. Total cost 660 million US dollars.

Three years ago Chile incorporated 18 A/B MLU F16 from the Dutch Air Force costing 180 million US dollars. They replaced ageing Mirage 5 Elkan and Mirage 50/Panther.

The second batch totalling 16, model MLU, plus spares and support equipment, would have a cost of 170 million US dollars and would be delivered next year.
When all are delivered Chile’s Air Force will have 44 F16, probably
the strongest and most modern in the continent.

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