Baluarte
05-21-2013, 08:58 PM
WASHINGTON, May 21 (UPI) -- The Netherlands is seeking to continue training its F-16 pilots in the United States through a $191 million Foreign Military Sales arrangement.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, in a required notification to Congress, said the package deal sought covers the Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16 Formal Training Unit in Arizona, associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.
"The continuation of this U.S.-based training supports the RNLAF's ability to continue its contributions to Overseas Contingency Operations and to North Atlantic Treaty Organization air policing operations in Afghanistan, as well as to possible future coalition operations." The agency said.
The training is conducted with the 162nd Fighter Wing at Tucson Air National Guard Base. The U.S. Air Force manages the pilot training program and The Air National Guard provides the instruction, flight operations, maintenance support and facilities.
Among items included in the package are 50,000 MJU-7B w/BBU-36B infrared decoy flares; 30,000 RR-188 w/BBU-35B training chaff; 3,750 BDU-33D/Bw/lugs/Mk4 spot low-drag training bombs; 240 MK-82 inert low drag general purpose bombs; 90 GBU-12 inert laser-guided bombs; 60-GBU-38 inert GPS guided bombs; 120,000 PGU-27 inert training rounds; JP-8 fuel; and air refueling support.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, in a required notification to Congress, said the package deal sought covers the Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16 Formal Training Unit in Arizona, associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.
"The continuation of this U.S.-based training supports the RNLAF's ability to continue its contributions to Overseas Contingency Operations and to North Atlantic Treaty Organization air policing operations in Afghanistan, as well as to possible future coalition operations." The agency said.
The training is conducted with the 162nd Fighter Wing at Tucson Air National Guard Base. The U.S. Air Force manages the pilot training program and The Air National Guard provides the instruction, flight operations, maintenance support and facilities.
Among items included in the package are 50,000 MJU-7B w/BBU-36B infrared decoy flares; 30,000 RR-188 w/BBU-35B training chaff; 3,750 BDU-33D/Bw/lugs/Mk4 spot low-drag training bombs; 240 MK-82 inert low drag general purpose bombs; 90 GBU-12 inert laser-guided bombs; 60-GBU-38 inert GPS guided bombs; 120,000 PGU-27 inert training rounds; JP-8 fuel; and air refueling support.