CHILEAN AIR FORCE SAID FAVORING F-16 PURCHASE
Santiago, Mar 29, 2000 (EFE via COMTEX) -- A high-level source with the Chilean Air Force told EFE Wednesday that Chile is leaning toward choosing the F-16 fighter-bomber to restock its fleet of fighter planes.
A decision to partially restock the Chilean Air Force's fighter plane fleet has been pending for four years, during which time four companies have been vying for the contract worth a reported 600 million dollars.
The three planes still under consideration - the F/A-18 Hornet manufactured by McDonnell Aircraft and Missile Systems was rejected late last year - include the Mirage 2000-5, made by Dassault Aviation, the Jas-39 Gripen, made by SAAB A.B. and British Aerospace, and Lockheed Martin's F-16.
Chile could render a decision by as early as mid-year, military officials told EFE.
"The issue is still being studied," said President Ricardo Lagos, who inaugurated the 11th annual International Air and Space Fair, where all of the planes are being displayed.
Although the government is said to favor the F-16, there has been no information regarding which model, the F-16C or the F-16D, is preferred.
"An order for six planes will be placed first, then the remaining 12 planes will be purchased in two lots," the source said. EFE |
