Again the JSF puts the focus on politics – AD.nl

Again the JSF puts the focus on politics – AD.nl

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11-12-14 – 20:02 Source: Reuters

Hennis calls reports ‘absolute nonsense’

inister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert of Defense (front), here beside Queen Maxima © anp.

Update The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF or F-35) will remain a politically sensitive issue. That proved again tonight during a debate in parliament on the successor to the F-16. The opposition smoke a chance, but PvdA and VVD kept the lines closed.

If this is true, Hennis has some explaining

CDA MP Raymond Knops

Hagel has not said that it can within the budget, not even veiled

Minister Hennis Defense

The excitement began when the NIS shortly before the debate reported that Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert (Defence) some time ago by her American colleague Chuck Hagel would be reassured about the cost of the device. He would have reassured her that the purchase would not take. Hennis would have understood by the NOS as a guarantee.

But in a parliamentary debate in November, the minister repeatedly denied that there were warranty agreements. The opposition demanded immediate clarification today. ,, If this is true, Hennis has some explaining, ” said Raymond Knops of the CDA. SP and D66 also wanted to know the ins and outs. Government parties VVD and PvdA however rallied firmly behind the minister.

Absolute madness
According Hennis go ministers of countries that consult the JSF buy regularly together but no one can give a guarantee about the price. ,, Hagel has not said that it can within the budget, not even veiled, ” said the VVD minister. She has words of Hail also interpreted as a guarantee. That she called ,, absolute nonsense ”.

There will only be certainty about the price and production contracts for the JSF, Hennis said. Netherlands wants 37 purchase for 4.5 billion euros. The first aircraft to be delivered to the Air Force in 2019. The government made the decision to purchase the F-35 by after fourteen years was debated in politics. Especially the Labour Party has struggled with it.

Engine Maintenance
The minister also had ,, nice news. ” Netherlands goes along with Norway and Turkey do the engine maintenance of all F-35′s that are purchased by European countries. The maintenance will take place in Woensdrecht. Turkey begins in 2019 with the maintenance, followed in two to three years, the Netherlands and Norway. Quality knowledge about engine maintenance is thus preserved for our country, said Hennis.