Chile's air force is evaluating an offer to acquire up to 28 Lockheed Martin F-16A/Bs that are to be removed from service with the Royal Netherlands Air Force next year. Understood to have a price tag of around $210 million, the proposed deal is believed to cover the transfer of 26 single-seat F-16A fighters and two F-16B two-seat trainers, none of which have received mid-life update modifications.
Faced with spiralling operating costs and maintenance difficulties with its current Dassault Elkan (Mirage 5) and Dassault/Enaer Pantera (Mirage 50) fighters, Chile's air force has sought replacements for the ageing types. Santiago has previously rejected a Dutch offer to supply 20 surplus F-16A/Bs for $240 million.
Chile signed an order for six new-production single-seat F-16Cs and four two-seat F-16Ds with Lockheed Martin in February 2003, since when it has sought to standardise its strike aircraft fleet to cut logistic, maintenance and operational costs. An acquisition of the ex-Dutch air force F-16A/Bs would enable it to retire its Sabca-modernised Elkans and older Pantera airframes, potentially cutting annual operating costs by 25%.
Air force officials are believed to have been considering the new Dutch proposal since mid-2004, and local sources indicate the service is attempting to set aside the funds required to buy the aircraft and perform an avionics upgrade.
The F-16 fleet will be supported by upgraded Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II air-defence aircraft.
Source: Flight International
