Stewart Penney/LONDON
The 12 months since Flight International's last World Air Forces Directory have been marked by the return of many countries to the arms bazaars. In the late 1990s, low oil prices and the dramatic economic downturns in Asia Pacific and Latin America repeatedly delayed many procurements.
Rising oil prices and the re-emergence of Asian economic growth last year and this year, however, have kick-started a wealth of programmes around the world.
It is notable that the demand is for the gamut of capabilities - from trainers through fighters to airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platforms and transports. South Korea, for instance, has re-launched its arms procurement programmes with a vengeance, signalling the restart of its AEW&C, attack helicopter and fighter competitions - each worth billions of dollars.
Assuming that rapprochement with North Korea does not hamper negotiations, South Korea intends to have new aircraft entering service in 2002-4. Also on its 'needs list' are trainers, maritime patrol aircraft and utility helicopters. Eased tensions between Seoul and Pyongyang could shrink the shopping list, particularly for shorter range systems, such as the attack helicopter. China's proximity, however, will ensure the fighters stay on the list.
In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates finally signed a contract - after negotiating for the best part of two years - for 80 Lockheed Martin F-16C/DBlock 60s. The deal is likely to be followed by Saudi Arabia signing a major deal for fighters to replace Northrop F-5s. Lockheed Martin will be hoping that Saudi Arabia sticks with its March 1998 decision to buy the F-16. Other fighter builders will be hoping the competition is re-opened.
In Western Europe and North America, many programmes are being driven by the lessons from recent conflicts, including last year's Operation Allied Force against Yugoslavia. Cruelly exposed was the lack of strategic transports, tankers and defence suppression capabilities within European NATO countries. Although there has been acknowledgement that there are capability gaps within European NATO members, the only move towards dealing with the issue is the announcement in July that seven countries would build, buy and operate the Airbus Military Company A400M airlifter. This announcement has yet to be transformed into firm orders.
Eastern European countries - including NATO's newest members, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland - continue to struggle to replace Soviet-era equipment with modern Western aircraft, particularly fighters. With helicopters and transporters, Eastern Europe is making-do with Russian-built types, upgraded where necessary with Western avionics.
Source: Flight International
