U.S. F-15, F-16s still in demand

WASHINGTON — The United States might be planning production of a new generation aircraft. But current warplanes remain in demand by U.S. allies in the Middle East and Asia.

The biggest benefactors of the failure to maintain production schedules of new U.S. aircraft are the F-15 and F-16. European aircraft will also benefit from delays in the U.S. F-22 fighter-jet program.

A new report by Forecast International said U.S. allies will prefer the F-15 and F-16 over the prospect of waiting for new generation F-22 or the Joint Strike Fighter. The F-22, which could be priced as high as $160 million a unit, is way behind schedule amid congressional debate over cost.

The report by the U.S. marketing firm pointed to requests by Korea and Saudi Arabia for additional F-15E aircraft. The U.S. Air Force is also considering additional F-15s.

"Boeing's F-15 is perhaps the most obvious beneficiary of these developments," the report, entitled "The World Market for Fighter/Attack/Jet Trainer Aircraft - 2001-2010," said. "A year ago this program appeared to be on its last legs but the U.S. Air Force ordered 10 more with FY00-01 funds, Saudi Arabia wants another 24 and it is no secret that Korea's air force prefers the F-15 to fill its F-X new fighter requirement. Another modest USAF F-15 buy may occur as its intended replacement, the F-22, failed to achieve all milestones required for a Low Rate Initial Production decision in December 2000."

The report said the world fighter-jet market until 2010 will comprise 3,500 aircraft valued at $124 billion. Forecast International, based in Newton, Conn., said Boeing will lead the market with an expected $27.6 billion.

Second in the market will be Eurofighter consortium with $21 billion in projected sales. Greece plans to order 90 Eurofighters. A close third will be the F-22 with $16.5 billion.

Lockheed Martin's F-16 will also continue to be a major element in the warplane market over the next decade, the report said. It cited purchases in the Middle East as well as by the U.S. Air Force.