U.S. F-15, F-16s still in demand
SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Monday, March 12, 2001
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.
Monday, March 12, 2001
|