CHILE IS TO receive technical information on the Lockheed Martin F-16 and McDonnell Douglas (MDC) F-18, but the US Government remains undecided on whether it is willing to sell the aircraft to Chile.
The move marks a shift of policy: the Carter Administration banned the sale of advanced weapons to Latin American countries in the late 1970s, in response to human-rights abuses. There have been exceptions, including the sale of 24 F-16A/Bs to Venezuela and a deal allowing Lockheed Martin to rebuild 36 surplus US Navy MDC A-4 Skyhawks for Argentina. In late 1996, however, Peru, Chile's northern neighbour, acquired 12 Mikoyan MiG-29s.
Chile is considering purchasing up to 24 new fighters. Rival aircraft are expected to include the French Dassault Mirage 2000 and Swedish Saab JAS39 Gripen. US manufacturers are also keen to be allowed to participate in Brazil's pending FX competition for a fighter to replace its Mirages by 2005. Argentina has opposed a change in US policy as it cannot currently afford advanced fighters and fears an arms race.
- Venezuela is to equip its F-16s with the Elisra SPS-1000(V)5 radar-warning system under a $25 million contract with the Israeli company. Deliveries begin in 1999. The SPS-1000 will replace the original RWR, which Venezuela says is no longer adequate.
- Lockheed Martin and PZL-Mielec have signed a pact which would lead to final assembly of F-16s in Poland should it select the US fighter to meet its future needs.
The announcement comes after a visit to Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania by Lockheed Martin chairman Norman Augustine. All of the countries are considering purchasing new fighters. Other contenders include the F-18, JAS39 and Mirage 2000.
Source: Flight International
