Growing JSF team attracts three more NATO partners

Sea Power, Aug 2002

Three more NATO nations have joined the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, The Netherlands, and Denmark in signing on to the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. Italy, Norway, and Turkey all have pledged participation in the JSF program led by Lockheed Martin.

Three additional nations are expected to join the SDD phase of the JSF program. Australia already is negotiating the details of its participation in the JSF, and Singapore and Israel reportedly "have expressed interest" in future participation with the U.S. government.

Teamed with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in the JSF program is a consortium of aerospace companies including Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, TRW, L-3 Communications, Pratt & Whitney, GE Aircraft Engines, and Rolls-Royce. The team is scheduled to build 22 JSFs during the SDD phase; the first JSF is scheduled for delivery in 2008.

Secretary General of Defense and National Armaments Director Adm. Giampaolo Di Paola, representing the Italian government, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 24 June with U.S. Under Secretary of Defense Edward C. Aldridge Jr. to participate in the JSF SDD phase. Italy joins as a Level II partner with a pledge of $1.028 billion for the SDD phase, and will assign five Italian Air Force and Navy personnet to the U.S. Department of Defense's JSF Program Office.

"Italy presents the opportunity to infuse the JSF program with the country's impressive high-technology industry," said Tom Burbage, executive vice president and general manager of the JSF program at Lockheed Martin. "Historically, Italian industry has been a great partner to Lockheed Martin, and certainly has the potential to bring 'best value' work to the JSF program."

Norway has signed into the JSF SDD program as a Level III partner, pledging approximately $130 million for the program. Norwegian National Armaments Director Leif Lindback signed an MOU with Aldridge on 20 June.

"Our partnership with Norway in this key program will not only meet our mutual national security needs in the coming years," said Aldridge, "it will also enhance NATO interoperability, promote defense transformation, positively impact program affordability, and strengthen industry linkages."

"This project will enhance interoperability with U.S. and allied forces, and will provide opportunities for Norwegian industry to participate in this cutting-edge aerospace project," Lindback said.

"Norway is a valued ally with an astute technical capability that will benefit both the F-35 program and future pilots who fly the aircraft," Burbage said.

The government of Turkey also has signed on as a Level III partner, promising approximately $175 million for the program. Turkish Undersecretary for Defense Industries Dursun Ali Ercan signed an MOU with Aldridge on 11 July to formalize his country's participation in the SDD phase. Turkey earlier had committed $ti.2 million for the JSF concept demonstration phase. Turkey also has an engine production facility in partnership with GE Aircraft Engines, a relationship that could enhance Turkey's role in JSF production.

The Australian government has indicated that it will commit approximately $150 million to the SDD phase as a Level III partner.