Combat Aircraft In 2015
December 03, 2014When it comes to military combat aircraft, 2015 is supposed to mark a change from fourth- to fifth-generation aircraft in the U.S., with the planned initial operational capability of the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter and the requested retirement of older aircraft. While U.S. military officials still predict the Marine Corps will begin operations with the jet before the year is through, technical difficulties and political considerations are expected to slow the transition.
On the international front, Denmark is expected to decide whether to purchase the F-35 as part of its competition to replace the F-16. In South America, Argentina may follow Brazil’s recent agreement to purchase the Saab Gripen, and Boeing will begin to deliver Saudi Arabia’s monster purchase of F-15SAs.
The following summaries draw on data and information compiled by Dan Katz of the Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN), where even more extensive program profiles, supplier information and specifications are available with an AWST or AWIN subscription: awin.aviationweek.com. Other profiles were provided by Forecast International, which also will contribute to AW&ST’s Aerospace 2015, to be published Dec. 29, 2014/Jan. 5, 2015.