THE Netherlands and Norway have formally joined the US Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) project, but Denmark has yet to decide on participation.
On 16 April, the two countries signed a JSF requirements-validation memorandum of agreement (MoA), which commits them to the JSF. The US Department of Defense says that the option is open for Denmark to sign the MoA later this year. With Denmark's participation, the three nations are expected to contribute a total of $32.2 million to research and development.
The Netherlands and Norway have signed on as associate partners. They will evaluate the aircraft's capabilities of meeting their future military needs. They will not, however, have a role in establishing its design or capabilities.
For $200 million, the UK is a collaborative partner, giving it a say in the next-generation fighter's development. Canada is expected to complete a similar MoA later this year, and Germany has expressed some interest in joining.
Source: Flight International
