The Spanish MoD will launch a framework agreement to modernize again the fleet of 19 advanced training aircraft of the Air and Space Army
The Ministry of Defense has received the approval of the Government to a framework agreement for a new modernization of the Northrop F-5B fighters in service in the 23rd Wing (Talavera la Real) of the Air and Space Army in training missions for fighter pilots. The contract has an estimated value of 40 million euros.
The department directed by Margarita Robles explains that this investment will allow “a new modernization or obsolescence cure” of the fleet composed of 19 F-5B fighters (AE9 in the name of the Air Force.
Defense recalls that “the avionics of these devices that were replaced in the 2000s”, however, points out that “as a result of the passage of time” the different subsystems must be subjected to another update “to allow the Air and Space Army to maintain the necessary capacity to train its fighter pilots until the loss of service and replacement of the fleet of these devices, planned for the year 2030”.
The framework agreement includes, details the ministry, the realization of the services and the acquisition of the necessary supplies to proceed with said modernization including the analysis, design, prototyping, testing and test support, support in aeronautical certification, manufacture, obtaining or modification of serial equipment, its assembly and maintenance and engineering support of the various subsystems that make up the avionics system.
The framework agreement now announced by the Ministry of Defence is budgeted at 40 million, a higher figure but which refers to the total value – with modifications and extensions – and, therefore, may not be fully implemented. Regarding the dates, the department refers to the withdrawal in 2030, two years later than pointed out by the Secretary of State for Defense.