20 years since the deployment of F/A-18 Hornet in Gando, Canary Islands (Spain)

Last month the Spanish Airforce (Ejército del Aire/EdA) celebrated 20 years since the deployment of the F/A-18 Hornet in Gando, Canary Islands, where they replaced Mirage F1 in Ala 46 (Wing 46). These photos were published in the EdA Facebook account.

The Hornets deployed in Gando are the oldest in the fleet, having been acquired second from the US in the 90s. Currently the Spanish government is looking at a replacement, which will more likely newly built EF-2000 to be acquired under project "Halcón".

References:

- https://www.facebook.com/EjercitoAire/

RAAF EA-18G Growler catches fires in Red Flag

A RAAF EA-18G Growler caught fire when participaring in the Red Flag exercises. It could be A46-311. The bird can probably be fixed, but at a heafty price. 

References:

Photo vía twitter.

Indian Navy tender for carrier-based fighter

7-1-2018

Livefist has informed that the Dassault Rafale F3M and F-18 Block III. Saab and RSK MiG proposals have been discarded (1). No details on the reasons has been given; Gripen was a no go because of it's single engine configuration, which was the reason given to reject a naval Tejas. The Navy was also looking for a mode advanced type than MiG-29K.

In my opinión de Rafale is still the favourite because it is already in service with the Air Force and the logistics would be simplified.

26-1-2017

The Indian Navy has opened a tender for the supply of 57 naval fighters. The request for information can be read in the link below. An offset of 30% of the contract's value is expected. First deliveries would take place 3 years after signing the contract and would have to be completed in 6.

The Indian Navy's fighter is the MiG-29K Fulcrum. A total of 46 have been ordered. The F-18 Super Hornet and Dassault Rafale are likely candidates. The later has been acquired by the Air Force, which could be an advantage. It is unclear if the Super Hornet will be still in production when the decision is taken. So far the LCA Tejas is not a candidate, but an improved Mk 2 version could be marketed.

References:

- http://tenders.gov.in/viewtenddoc.asp?tid=del877328&wno=1&td=TD
- https://www.livefistdefence.com/navy-dogfight-begins-india (1)

Canada submits Letter of Request to the U.S. government for 18 F-18 Super Hornet

The Canadian government has submitted a Letter of Request to the U.S. government outlining requirements on capabilities, schedule and economic benefits for 18 Super Hornet aircraft. The type would serve as an interim fighter pending the decision on the F-35. Prior to the national elections the liberal government promised to review the contract for the Lighting II.

A few weeks ago former officers –including commanders of the Air Force- published an open letter in which they oppose the Super Hornet acquisition. In their opinion it was too costly for an interim type. Also, it would not solve the existing issues on a medium term. These officers suggested the acquisition of legacy Hornets.

References:

- https://www.canada.ca/public-services-procurement

USA acquired 12 Super Hornet

The US Department of Defense (DoD) has announced the acquisition of 12 Super Hornet for approximately 678 million $. Seven fo them are EA-18G, the electronic variant, while the other five are F/A-18Es. Deliveries will be completed in february 2019.

Super Hornet production line (Boeing).

In the last few years Boeing has obtained more sales than expected, mainly because of contracts with the US Navy and Kuwait. Delays in hte f-35 project and the intensive use of the aircraft in several theaters have led to more aircraft acquisition, see below. With the new US administration more contracts could follow.

- Febuary 2017: 12 EA-18G y 5 F/A-18E

- November 2016: 32 F/A-18E y 8 F/A-18F
- October 2015: 12 EA-18G.
- June 2015: 12 F/A-18E/F.

References:

- https://www.defense.gov/Contracts/Contract-View

Appendix 1: The DoD note also includes data on where the aircrafts are produced


- El Segundo, California: 43%
- St. Louis, Missouri: 20%
- Bethpage, Nueva York: 15%
- Fort Worth, Texas: 2%
- Mesa, Arizona:
- Torrance, California:
- Ontario, Canada: 1%
- Greenlawn, Nueva York: 1%
- Vandalia, Ohio: 1%
- Irvine, California: 1%
- Bloomington, Minnesota: 1%
- Other locations in USA: 13%