(1)Sidekick isn't part of the upgrade. Some customers want to go for it(Japan), but this is a local diversion. Or did things change?
I'm not really sure what you are implying by quoting the twitter links. The only source I have for APG-85 being US only is Steve Trimble of AvWeek who is not a particularly reliable source but has been towing the APG-85 US only line for over a year now. He said the same thing on an AvWeek podcast in June.
aviationweek.com
Still light years ahead of the AN/APG-68 or AN/APG-66 in older F-16s.
"I do believe Poland would phase out their F-16 earlier than planned if they do acquire the EX." - I am sorry, but they do not do it. PL f-16 are too new (about 20 lears).@gigant_rejser : Of course!
I was more thinking at plinking Drones and Cruise Missiles.
Note: I do believe Poland would phase out their F-16 earlier than planned if they do acquire the EX.
Thank you.I'm not really sure what you are implying by quoting the twitter links. The only source I have for APG-85 being US only is Steve Trimble of AvWeek who is not a particularly reliable source but has been towing the APG-85 US only line for over a year now. He said the same thing on an AvWeek podcast in June.
Podcast: The F-35 Has A Case Of Long COVID | Aviation Week Network
Listen in as Aviation Week editors discuss the GAO's latest report on the F-35 and explain what's hampering the now $2 trillion program.
If Ukraine desires a twin-engine "heavy fighter" to counter Russia's Flankers, the Eurofighter Typhoon is a more logistically available option in Europe. F-15s provided to Ukraine would have to be flown all the way from the Continental United States across the Atlantic Ocean before they can arrive in Ukraine. In fact, it was reported in August 2022 that the Eurofighter Typhoon was one of several Western fighters that was requested by the Ukrainian Air Force (Diaz, 2022).
The Strike Eagles were built for a 16,000hr life with a depot overhaul at 8,000hrs, and from their IOC of 1989 till 2012 the fleet accrual averaged 6,000 hours, an average of 260hrs/yr. That suggests a potential lifespan of about 60 years, so roughly 2050 for the retirement date.
Maybe, essentially same engine and same weapons systems as the F-16s. Would the US be happy to transfer aircraft with the APG-82, perhaps not but not sure.
Does anyone have spare Eurofighters to donate? The UK has an on again off again relationship with its T1s but I can't see too many other nations with Eurofighters a sitting around that could be donated.
There is also the possibility of Ukraine acquiring the Gripen from Sweden in the future. On September 9, 2024, Sweden announced its 17th aid package for Ukraine of 4.6 billion Swedish crowns or $443 million USD which included funds to "facilitate a transfer of Gripen fighter jets in the future" (Reuters, 2024).
Not a good choice IMO. Too small a global fleet and neither Sweden or the other few nations who purchased it have many to spare.
Sweden's in the process of upgrading to new-build Gripen Es, while their requirements point to keeping the Cs, I could very much see them gradually shipping Cs to Ukraine and increasing their E buy in compensation.
Any increase in Gripen E is 5+ years away at best. Per a recent TWZ article,
www.twz.com
There are no Gripen A/B remaining in storage. To save money all A/Bs in storage were converted/cannibalized to C/D as part of that build.
Hungary will get 4 additional new C/D models, I guess they will be sourced from those 14 airframes. Still 10 airframes left in that case. But such low numbers don't make it worthwhile to introduce the type into Ukrainian service imho.
Yes USAF stated intent but has to get Congressional approval which as evidenced by the number of platforms still in USAF service they would rather be rid off that it isn't always what the USAF want.
