the french aim to build a 5th gen version of the rafale for the uae, if the uk whanted it there would be further optons and requirements built into the plane though you are correct it wont be the rafale as we know it. proven yes because its seen operational service and the bugs have been ironed out, and it is far chaeper than the f35 which has already doubled its expected base price in fact its gone past that already, the hourly cost of flying the f35 compared with the f18/ and rafale is also double the cost,the maintenace down time is estimated also to be higher, for countries who whant the big boys toys it will come at a hefty price.
with countries reviewing there numbers down the unit price increses for eveyone else, the USM have revised down already and looking at a larger f18 fleet, the australians have also reduced there purchase to 14, but still not a single confirmed order has been placed for a production aircraft. WHY simple the raising costs and delays.
denmarks desided to extend its f16 fleet to 2015 possible change to f18, norway though still on board is concerned, as is spain, israel has an issue witht he sort code issue and not willing to back down and they could opt for the russian plane, australia has defered further purchases again becasue of the costs, UK sdr is expected to reduce f35 and opt for more eurofighters for the RAF, the RN carrier aircraft issue has still not been confirmed in fact the current goverment only confirmed the carriers will be built but were non commitle on the planes that will fly from them.
the French are very keen to get the uk to buy the rafale with uk mods ect, at a fracton of the f35 costs, in fact they offered them back in 2006 at 3/4 of the orginal price depending on how many we brought. with full support and control over the aircraft something the US is not offering with the f35.
while the f35 claims to offer so much until its operational we dont know what it really can and cant do, and with the bugs still to be ironed out when its fully in service again cant be confirmed, we can buy f35 later if and when we have the money, and if we want it, but we cannot afford for the fleet to have no aircover, the carriers will be operational at least two years before the first production aircraft arrive, then the crews will need to work up with the airwing adding further delays and costs overall. we only have a small budget.
with countries reviewing there numbers down the unit price increses for eveyone else, the USM have revised down already and looking at a larger f18 fleet, the australians have also reduced there purchase to 14, but still not a single confirmed order has been placed for a production aircraft. WHY simple the raising costs and delays.
denmarks desided to extend its f16 fleet to 2015 possible change to f18, norway though still on board is concerned, as is spain, israel has an issue witht he sort code issue and not willing to back down and they could opt for the russian plane, australia has defered further purchases again becasue of the costs, UK sdr is expected to reduce f35 and opt for more eurofighters for the RAF, the RN carrier aircraft issue has still not been confirmed in fact the current goverment only confirmed the carriers will be built but were non commitle on the planes that will fly from them.
the French are very keen to get the uk to buy the rafale with uk mods ect, at a fracton of the f35 costs, in fact they offered them back in 2006 at 3/4 of the orginal price depending on how many we brought. with full support and control over the aircraft something the US is not offering with the f35.
while the f35 claims to offer so much until its operational we dont know what it really can and cant do, and with the bugs still to be ironed out when its fully in service again cant be confirmed, we can buy f35 later if and when we have the money, and if we want it, but we cannot afford for the fleet to have no aircover, the carriers will be operational at least two years before the first production aircraft arrive, then the crews will need to work up with the airwing adding further delays and costs overall. we only have a small budget.
