Aircraft
Dutch Confirm F-35 Choice, But Will Buy Only 37
The Netherlands confirmed its previous choice of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II to replace the air force’s F-16s.
The Netherlands bought two F-35As for operational test and evaluation, but can afford to buy only 35 more, the government said. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
The Netherlands bought two F-35As for operational test and evaluation, but can afford to buy only 35 more, the government said. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

The Netherlands confirmed its previous choice of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II to replace the air force’s F-16s. But in a statement, the Dutch government noted that “based on current insights, the available financial room is sufficient for 37 aircraft.”  A total of 85 had originally been planned. The government said that the acquisition would have to cost no more than the €4.5 billion ($6 billion) previously budgeted. Further, it mandated that the annual operating cost of the F-35 fleet could not exceed that of the current F-16 fleet: €270 million ($360 million).