The Norwegian defence ministry has confirmed that it has shortlisted the Eurofighter consortium and Lockheed Martin to begin negotiations to select a winner to meet its KFA-96 fighter requirement to replace its obsolescent Northrop F-5s.
The decision, first revealed in Flight International (12-18 February), will eventually lead to one of the two remaining contenders, the F-16 or the EF2000, being chosen. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2003.
The Dassault Rafale and McDonnell Douglas F-18C were discounted, following evaluation. The Swedish Saab JAS39 Gripen had been ruled out earlier.
Lockheed Martin is proposing an upgraded F-16C, dubbed the Block 50N (for Norway), although the detailed configuration of this aircraft has yet to be determined.
Depending upon the outcome of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabian choice concerning the F-16, the Norwegian aircraft may end up resembling a Block 60 model.
The UAE is expected to buy an advanced F-16 derivative, the Block 60, to meet its strike-aircraft requirement. The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF), like Norway, is looking to replace its F-5s. The RSAF is understood to have concluded in principle to purchase the F-16 to meet this need, although the deal has yet to be announced.
Industrial participation is expected to play a key role in the final Norwegian decision on which of the two aircraft, the F-16 or the EF2000, is chosen.
Source: Flight International
