The Dutch defence ministry has launched a programme which will lead to the upgrade of many of its remaining Lockheed Martin F-16AM/BM fighters to an M5 software standard in the 2009-10 timeframe.
Now in its planning phase, the project is also expected to include some changes to the strike aircraft’s hardware, primarily linked to improving its current self-protection capabilities, writes Anno Gravemaker.
The planned modifications are expected to enable the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s F-16s to continue operations until at least 2020, while development of the replacement Lockheed F-35 Joint Strike Fighter continues.
Four of its aircraft are based in the Afghan capital Kabul, providing close air support services to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force. The Netherlands plans to increase its detachment to six F-16s by mid-year.
Current plans call for 72 of the air force’s 108 F-16s to be upgraded to the M5 configuration, with options to modify another 18 if needed. The aircraft’s ALR-69 radar warning receivers will be upgraded, while its jamming capabilities will also be improved.
The latter enhancement will be achieved either by performing a mid-life update to the type’s current ALQ-131 jammer, or by acquiring a replacement.
Source: Flight International
