Dutch agree to F-35 buy

The Netherlands will buy 37 F-35s to replace its fleet of F-16s, the Dutch defense ministry said Tuesday. The new aircraft will enter service from 2019. The number of jets the Netherlands agreed to buy is sharply lower than the 85 it had initially sought to purchase, but the purchase has long been anticipated since the Netherlands has participated in the F-35 development. But the Netherlands’ defense minister said the government chose the plane purely for operational reasons. (Source: Financial Times, 09/17/13) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 training center. Previous: 2nd Dutch F-35 rolls out; First Dutch F-35 rolls out; Dutch waffle on F-35 purchase