Dutch commit to 1st operational F-35

The Netherlands said this week that it will sign a contract in April 2015 for an initial eight Lockheed Martin F-35 fighters. In total the Netherlands is planning to buy 37 F-35s, with the first of the eight initial aircraft expected to enter service in 2019. Full operational capability is expected to be attained in 2024 with all aircraft delivered. According to the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the intended contract will stay within the stated total budget of $5.6 billion. (Source: IHS Jane's 360, 12/17/14) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 integrated training center.