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[av405]

Thought I'd update this as more details have emerged:


F-35 - Increase from 46 to 52

Isn't it 58 now?

 

[Mike1976]

Isn't it 58 now?

Nope, that purchase was from 46 to 52 in mid 2022.

Another order was placed in 2024, rumoured to be 3 aircraft, but the exact number still hasn't been confirmed AFAIK.

 

[av405]

The Defense Planning Document from September mentioned 6 more, with the idea being that each of the 3 squadrons would get an additional 2 aircraft. The total would be 58 I only remember because it was reported by numerous sources at the time. I hope that is still the plan.

Netherlands Announces More F-35 Fighters, NH90 Helicopters in New $2.7B Defense Plan

The size of each of the three F-35 squadrons will swell and enhance readiness and ‘airstrike power.’ The Netherlands has announced plans to acquire

theaviationist.com

 

[Mike1976]

The Defense Planning Document from September mentioned 6 more, with the idea being that each of the 3 squadrons would get an additional 2 aircraft. The total would be 58 I only remember because it was reported by numerous sources at the time. I hope that is still the plan.

Netherlands Announces More F-35 Fighters, NH90 Helicopters in New $2.7B Defense Plan

The size of each of the three F-35 squadrons will swell and enhance readiness and ‘airstrike power.’ The Netherlands has announced plans to acquire

theaviationist.com

No, it does not. I've had another look through both the Dutch and English language versions and neither mentions any specific numbers as they never really do. Giving specific numbers is something the opposition can hold you accountable for later when it doesn't materialise. Very politically inconvenient.

All of these sites are circle-quoting each other. The number of "6" was a rumour that popped up the day before the document was released when some of it was leaked to the press as is usual. No official has ever commented on it. No reputable news source has confirmed it, it's only been doing the rounds on defense sites and blogs who all refer to each other as source.

Look at the list of stuff that they're wanting to buy for €2.5B. Buying 6 would mean taking a huge chunk out of the acquisition budget. The F-35 is a flashy thing to run with for the media, but for the MoD things like surveillance capability, anti-drone equipment and ammunition stockpiles are more important priorities.

2 or 3 with the intention of proving squadrons with a spare airframe is a much more plausible rumour imo.