Draken International will take over the hardware and associated materials starting next year. This company has a contract with the United States government to take on the role of the enemy in the exercises of the Air Force and the Navy. The agreement with Draken International includes an option to sell another 28 F-16s.
Once the sale is complete, the aircraft will be used exclusively for support missions during (international) exercises and training on US soil. The US Government monitors compliance with these agreements.
ELOT
The sale of 12 F-16s is part of the F-16 End Life of Type (ELOT) program. The entire fleet will be liquidated in stages. The 12 aircraft are expected to make way for the F-35 in 2022. The 28 aircraft under option will be phased out through May 2024.
The interdepartmental Defense Equipment Sales Committee approved the sale of 12 aircraft. This committee is made up of representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Finance and Defense. The agreement is pending defense export license and US government approval of export control legislation.
