Finnland - Neues Kampfflugzeug HX Fighter

[theoderich]

Finland chooses the US with the F-35

(Saint-Cloud, France, December 10, 2021) – Dassault Aviation takes note of the sovereign decision of the Finnish authorities to choose the American solution for the replacement of the F-18 Air Component.

Once again, we notice and regret an American preference prevailing in Europe.

For their part, Dassault Aviation and its industrial partners are continuing to develop the Rafale’s operational capabilities, in the service of France and of countries that want to have a first-rate air force with full sovereignty, as Greece and Croatia have recently chosen in Europe, and others outside Europe.

https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/gr ... -the-f-35/


The Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II is Finland’s next multi-role fighter

The Government of Finland has 10 December 2021 authorised the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command to sign a procurement contract with the Government of the United States on Finland’s next multi-role fighter. The fighter replacing the Hornet fleet’s capability is the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II.

The procurement contains 64 F-35A Block 4 multi-role fighters, substantial and versatile weaponry tailored for the operating circumstances, required training and sustainment solutions, other related systems as well as sustainment and maintenance services until the end of 2030.

In the HX Fighter Programme evaluation of the tenderers’ offers, the F-35 fulfilled the security of supply, industrial participation and affordability requirements of the decision-making areas. In the military capability assessment, the F-35 comprehensive system was the best. The F-35 combat, reconnaissance and survival capabilities were the best suited of the HX candidates.

The F-35 operating and sustainment costs fit the allocated cost frame, and the aircraft development during the life cycle will be feasible with the normal resources of the Finnish Defence Forces.

The current Hornet fleet will be phased out as planned from the year 2025. The first Finnish F-35 fighters will begin service with the Finnish Air Force in 2025 as part of the training of Finnish personnel in the United States. The first F-35s will be delivered to Finland in 2026. In Finland the F-35 system will replace the Hornet fleet in the fighter wings between 2028 and 2030.

The offered solutions in the HX programme were set up around the following fighter aircraft systems: Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Lockheed Martin F-35 and Saab Gripen.

Evaluation of Offers

The Defence Forces Logistics Command received the final and binding offers from all five HX tenderers by the end of April 2021 deadline. The offers were assessed in accordance with the HX Request for Quotation, decision-making model and Evaluation Handbook to reach the procurement proposal.

The tendering was based on four decision-making areas: Military Capability, Security of Supply, Industrial Participation and Affordability. When a tenderer passed the Security of Supply, Industrial Participation and Affordability considerations, it proceeded to the final phase of the Military Capability evaluation in which the offered solutions were placed in order.

The Defence Forces evaluated the offered comprehensive solutions’ capability in three phases based on performance demonstrated in testing events. In the final phase, the military capability effectiveness of each candidate’s HX system was evaluated via a thorough and long-run war game supported by simulation. The Defence Forces’ proposal for the system to be selected was based on the results of the war games and estimated future development potential.

Success of F-35 System

In the HX bidding competition, the F-35 passed the security of supply, industrial participation and affordability decision-making areas. The F-35 solution achieved the highest operational effectiveness and future growth potential in the capability assessment.

Security of Supply

The F-35 solution fulfills the national security of supply requirements of Finland. The sustainment of the system is based on the F-35 global sustainment solution tailored to meet the domestic security of supply requirements. The critical maintenance capacity will be created in the Defence Forces and domestic industrial organisations. The solution encompasses the maintenance capabilities to be built in Finland as well as spare components and replaceable assemblies for exceptional circumstances that are under the sole national control of Finland as well as participation in the multinational maintenance network.

Affordability

The F-35 solution fitted to the allocated funding frame was the most cost-effective. The F-35 had the lowest procurement cost when considering all aspects of the offer. The operating and sustainment costs of the system will fall below the 254 million euro yearly budget. F-35 operations and lifespan development will be feasible with the Defence Forces’ resources.

No offer was significantly less expensive than others in operating and sustainment costs.

Industrial Participation

The F-35 industrial participation offer met the requirements in quality and content. The main focus of the offered industrial participation is in direct industrial cooperation that will create significant independent maintenance capabilities. The industrial participation solution will develop credible knowhow in the domestic industry from the security of supply perspective and become significant in the national economy.

The key industrial participation projects include large-scale production of the F-35 front fuselage in Finland also for other users, production of structural components as well as equipment testing and maintenance capability. In addition, Finland has been offered an engine final assembly project for the Air Force aircraft.

The industrial participation’s domestic employment impact will be 4500 and indirect impact 1500 person-workyears.

The industrial participation contract will be signed by the Ministry of Defence as well as Lockheed Martin and the engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney.

Military Capability

The F-35 system’s capability was best suited for the Finnish operating environment and HX requirements. The comprehensive system and aircraft’s capabilities in combat, reconnaissance and survival are unsurpassed. The F-35 came first in the assessment or shared the top score in all mission areas and achieved the highest total score. The proposed F-35 package will meet the defined tasks with sufficient efficacy in respect to the requirements of the future operating environment. The quantity of aircraft and weaponry included in the quotation had an impact in the result. The Finnish F-35 fleet can achieve operational capability within the scheduled timeframe.

The F-35 solution will produce a significant addition to the entire defence system and enhance preventive capability of defence. The F-35A is capable of initiating action in counter-air operations as well as generating and sharing the necessary situational awareness and target data, enabling the F-35 to best support land and maritime operations. The F-35 multi-domain effectiveness across air, land and sea received the highest rating in the assessment. The stealth and other unique features, such as sensors and networks, support the F-35’s survival in combat. The F-35 multi-role fighter has the highest internal fuel capacity and all sensors incorporated negating the need for an external targeting system or fuel tank.

The F-35 system’s technological solution is sustainable and its future growth potential the best of the offered solutions. The development has been guaranteed for the entire life cycle until the 2060s.

Procurement Package

The procurement object is 64 F-35A multi-role fighters in the newest, Block 4 -configuration. The procurement encompasses multi-role fighter weaponry. The offered F-35 package includes the following weapon types: AMRAAM, Sidewinder, SDB I and II, JDAM-family weaponry, JSM and JASSM-ER. The weaponry is to be procured within the programme funding availability by the end of the year 2035. The weapons package will be optimised during the procurement process, taking into account availability of the newest weapon types and changes in the operating environment. With optimised weapons procurement, the system’s capability will be maximised in the Finnish operating environment and the F-35 system’s life-cycle guaranteed for the longest feasible time.

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[öbh]

Ist beeindruckend wie die F35 ihren Siegeszug weltweit bzw in Europa fortsetzt. Allein in Europa dzt schon 9 Staaten, welche F35 einführen bzw einführen wollen. Wäre interessant zu wissen, was die Experten in diesen Ländern bewegt, insbesondere Schweiz und Finnland, sich für diesen Einstrahler zu entscheiden.

[opticartini]

Es scheint so: Wenn F-35 an einer Evaluation teilnimmt, dann gewinnen sie.

Warum? Sie liefern das modernste Paket und die langlebigste Lösung mit gesicherter Versorgung zu einem guten Preis plus dem dahinter stehenden militärische Gewicht der USA. Das schafft keiner der Konkurrenten. F-35 ist auf gutem Weg in die Fußstapfen von F-16 zu treten und DAS Standard-Kampfflugzeug der NATO zu werden.

Wie sehr die Kosten von F-35 überschätzt werden - dazu erinnere ich mich an eine Aussage im Rahmen der Präsentation des Eurofighters in Finnland (das Video müsste auf Youtube zu finden sein). Dort sagte ein britischer Vertreter (vom Verteidigungsministerium oder Royal Airforce) auf die Frage wie konkurrenzfähig Eurofighter hinsichtlich der Kosten sei, dass er genau wisse, dass F-35 teurer sei, sein Land betreibe sie schließlich. Er bezog sich da natürlich auf die F-35B, womit er einen der Kardinalfehler machte, den es hinsichtlich F-35 zu machen gibt - nämlich alle Varianten in einen Topf zu werfen - und es zeigt, wie daneben auch jemand liegen kann, der als Experte bezeichnet werden kann.

Für EUROfighter - die sich ganz gerne als das Rückgrad der europäischen Luftverteidigung bezeichnen - ist das halt mittlerweile eher peinlich, dass ausgerechnet in Europa kein einziger Exportkunde ihren Flieger will. Außer Österreich natürlich, wir sind schließlich "speziell".

[theoderich]

Wäre interessant zu wissen, was die Experten in diesen Ländern bewegt, insbesondere Schweiz und Finnland, sich für diesen Einstrahler zu entscheiden.

Möglicherweise spielt hier auch hinein, dass Finnland mit den Mid-Life Upgrades 1 und 2 für die F/A-18, speziell für den Luft-Boden-Einsatz, Waffensysteme aus US-Produktion eingeführt hat, die für Eurofighter oder Gripen noch nicht zertifiziert sind. Stichwort JASSM und JSOW.

[Acipenser]

Ist beeindruckend wie die F35 ihren Siegeszug weltweit bzw in Europa fortsetzt. Allein in Europa dzt schon 9 Staaten, welche F35 einführen bzw einführen wollen. Wäre interessant zu wissen, was die Experten in diesen Ländern bewegt, insbesondere Schweiz und Finnland, sich für diesen Einstrahler zu entscheiden.

vielleicht die pure Angst vor Russland, das gerade seine halbe Landstreitmacht an der Grenze zur Ukraine auffahren lässt. Und den erhofften Beistand vom Verbündeten (ob Nato oder nicht) USA. Auch der schwelende Wirtschafts"krieg" mit den USA dürfte viele Europäer in die Arme von Lockheed treiben.
Bei Grossbritanien ist es klar, zwei neue Flugzeugträger gebaut und seit 10 Jahren kein Senkrechtstarter mehr, Spanien zögert noch...und und und Gründe dürfte es viele geben, wenn den nicht dauernd F35AoderB vom Himmel fallen

im Speziellen ist Österreich mit seinen EF2000 doch recht gut aufgestellt, sind halt 20 nein, 21 Jahre her seit der "Typisierung"

[Albert]

Für die Schweiz ist die Sache sehr einfach: Die F-35 ist mit Abstand das beste Flugzeug, zudem ist es in den Gesamtkosten über 30 Jahre (Kaufpreis & Betrieb inkl. Inflation) um 2 Milliarden günstiger als das nächste. Die F-35 erhielt in der Evaluation 336 Punkte, das nächst beste Flugzeug mit 241 Punkten 91 Punkte weniger. Die Evaluation umfasste anfänglich Eurofighter, F-35, Gripen, Super Hornet und Rafale. Die Gripen schied aus, weil sie noch nicht genügend weit entwickelt war.

In der Schweiz fiel der Entscheid aufgrund der Evaluation und der Kosten. Es wurde eindeutig das beste Preis-Leitungs-Verhältnis gewählt. "Angst vor Russland" oder Wirtschaftsbeziehungen zu den USA spielen hier keine Rolle. Im Gegenteil, gewisse Kreise wollten einen politischen Deal mit der EU und favorisierten ein europäisches Modell.

[opticartini]

Wäre interessant zu wissen, was die Experten in diesen Ländern bewegt, insbesondere Schweiz und Finnland, sich für diesen Einstrahler zu entscheiden.

Möglicherweise spielt hier auch hinein, dass Finnland mit den Mid-Life Upgrades 1 und 2 für die F/A-18, speziell für den Luft-Boden-Einsatz, Waffensysteme aus US-Produktion eingeführt hat, die für Eurofighter oder Gripen noch nicht zertifiziert sind. Stichwort JASSM und JSOW.

Glaube nicht, dass das eine große Rolle gespielt hat, ich bin mir sicher, dass die Integration der vorhandenen Waffen inkl. AGM-154 und AGM-158 Teil des Angebots zumindest von Eurofighter und Saab war. Technisch dürfte das kein großes Problem sein, die beiden lehnen sich stark an US/NATO-Standards an.

gewisse Kreise wollten einen politischen Deal mit der EU und favorisierten ein europäisches Modell.

Ja, neben der Entscheidung für das "beste Flugzeug" können auf politischer Ebene durchaus noch andere Dinge ausschlaggebend sein - beispielsweise wenn es um Technologietransfer oder außenpolitische Beziehungen geht. Für Staaten, die keine entsprechende Industrie haben oder wo es keinen Druck gibt, diese auf- oder auszubauen, ist das natürlich kein Kriterium.

[theoderich]

First HX Fighter Programme agreements signed

The Finnish Defence Forces’ Logistics Command was authorised to conclude procurement contracts for the F-35 system and air-to-air weapons while the Ministry of Defence was authorised to sign an agreement on industrial participation for the HX fighter programme with Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney, the engine manufacturer.
Signing of first LOA documents of HX project

The procurement of multi-role fighters will be carried out in line with the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) procedure as required by the United States administration for defence materiel export. Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) documents will be drafted on the procurement packages, and when signed, these documents are the procurement agreement.

On Friday 11 February 2022, Major General (Eng.) Kari Renko, Chief of the Defence Forces Logistics Command, signed in Tampere the LOA documents on F-35A aircraft and their maintenance services. As to the implementation of the LOA agreements, the United States is represented by the F-35 project offices operating under the defence administration.

The procurement contracts include the deliveries of 64 multi-role fighters in 2025-30 that represent the F-35A Block 4 configuration, aircraft engines and maintenance equipment, systems, spare parts, replacement equipment, training equipment and servicing needed for use and maintenance. The agreements include F-35 type training for the Defence Forces’ flying and technical personnel.

After the procurement of aircraft and maintenance services, LOA documents will be signed during 2022 on the procurement of air-to-air weapons, the Sidewinder and AMRAAM missiles. In accordance with the procurement proposal submitted to the Government in December 2021, the agreements on procuring air-to-ground and air-to-surface weapons will be made later. This will ensure that the weapon composition can be optimised, for example in terms of the number and types of weapons, so that Finland will have a high-performance F-35 system when entering the 2030s.

Agreement on industrial participation

Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen signed an agreement on industrial participation on Friday 11 February 2022 in Helsinki. The agreement was concluded with the fighter manufacturer Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney, the engine manufacturer and member of the Raytheon technologies group.

The industrial participation obligation is based on a decision made by the Minister of Defence in April 2018 which stated that the value of industrial cooperation should be at least 30 per cent of the actual contract price. The industrial participation solution in the F-35 system met the requirements of the HX Fighter Programme set for industrial participation.

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Ein Video von einer Übung finnischer JTACs:











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[theoderich]

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[theoderich]

Changes proposed to funding multi-role fighters and Squadron 2020

F-35 project making good progress

The appropriations for 2022 will be influenced by a change to the funding of the F-35 project, which will transfer EUR 188 million from the procurement authorisation to transferable appropriations. The technical change is in line with the Government’s procurement decision and will be implemented within the total funding granted to the project in the 2021 budget. In addition, the supplementary budget proposal includes a provision of EUR 74 million for exchange rate losses in 2022.

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