ECA secures funds for NATO aggressor aircraft purchase

[-Max2-]

ECA secures funds for NATO aggressor aircraft purchase

By : Craig Hoyle


NATO's ability to conduct multi-national combat training could be transformed if a 24-aircraft system being proposed by a Dutch-based company takes off.

The integrated opposing force (IOPFOR) concept now being promoted by ECA Program would see a new fleet of privately-owned and operated lightweight fighters provide an aggressor training service for Alliance nations.

Platform candidates include the Chengdu J-10, RSK MiG-35 and Saab Gripen, with ECA chief executive and IOPFOR manager Melville ten Cate expecting to announce a selection in mid-May.

The Schiphol-based company has raised €283 million ($375 million) to support the programme via an asset-backed convertible bond, which was offered from 2-30 April. While this was short of the sought-for total of €430 million, intended to support the purchase of an initial 14 aircraft, ten Cate says "we consider it a success".

"We remain committed to the 14 aircraft, and from a funding perspective we have more than we need for now," he adds.

ECA has previously detailed its plans to acquire a fleet of aircraft equipped with "fifth-generation" characteristics, such as an active electronically scanned array radar, infrared search and track sensors, electronic warfare equipment and supercruise flight performance.

Beyond providing aircraft to exercise against, the IOPFOR model also will include naval vessels, data links, a command and control function and access to commercial satellite imagery, plus further simulated forces.

ECA will support a three-week demonstration and evaluation exercise for NATO and allied air forces over the North Atlantic early next year, which ten Cate says will enable the company to showcase its operating concept in a "no holds barred" scenario. "People don't buy Powerpoint," he notes.


Source : http://www.flightglobal.com/news/art...rchase-371328/

One month ago, i would have thought it was a nice April Fools' Day hoax but it is actually a serious article.

Thats interesting but I would still believe it when i see it...

[JCR]

Sounds like a dream job for retired fighter pilots.

On the other hand, the Chinese or Russians would be relatively stupid to sell their aircraft to that contractor.
The Chinese are not that desperate and the Russians not that stupid.
I guess the best they can hope for is to get some handed down MiG-29s from Poland or Slovakia or so

[lander]

Second hand migs from Poland, Slovakia etc. doesn't even fill the requirements, so why would they be an alternative? Most likely offer would be second hand Swedish JAS 39C/D's which would be a very good thing for the Swedish air force aswell as Saab seeing as they want to upgrade their fleet to E/F standard.

And most likely a lot cheaper than buying and operating MiG-29's.

[Universals]

Sounds like a dream job for retired fighter pilots.

On the other hand, the Chinese or Russians would be relatively stupid to sell their aircraft to that contractor.
The Chinese are not that desperate and the Russians not that stupid.
I guess the best they can hope for is to get some handed down MiG-29s from Poland or Slovakia or so

There's always UKraine!

[JCR]

There's always UKraine!

Not anymore.
Or at least not until the German media suceeds in restoring the fallen queen to her rightful throne..

[Universals]

Not anymore.
Or at least not until the German media suceeds in restoring the fallen queen to her rightful throne..

What? Ukraine will sell her to a Chinese business man if he offered good money...

[muttbutt]

Well this is interesting.

[Hellfish]

Fascinating idea.

[xav]

[IconOfEvi]

The Chinese are not that desperate

But a stuffed red envelope in the right hands does wonders in China