The first Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) jet destined for the Dutch
market underwent three test flights in the first half of this month, the
defence ministry has confirmed to news agency ANP.
The test flights took place close to the Lockheed Martin factory in Texas and went off well, ANP said.
The agency says the ministry was not forthcoming with more information about the test flights, partly due to the growing lack of political support for the project.
According to Nos news, the first test plane will be handed over to the Dutch authorities in September for intensive trials involving Dutch pilots. The second test plane will be delivered next year.
The jets are supposed to replace the Netherlands’ ageing fleet of F-16 fighter planes but a majority of MPs oppose the purchase. The next cabinet will take a decision on whether or not to go ahead with the deal.
The agency says the ministry was not forthcoming with more information about the test flights, partly due to the growing lack of political support for the project.
According to Nos news, the first test plane will be handed over to the Dutch authorities in September for intensive trials involving Dutch pilots. The second test plane will be delivered next year.
The jets are supposed to replace the Netherlands’ ageing fleet of F-16 fighter planes but a majority of MPs oppose the purchase. The next cabinet will take a decision on whether or not to go ahead with the deal.
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