First to my last post concerning the
F-16C/Ds for the Ukraine it'll be late Summer 2024
more likely the Fall of 2024 before we
might see them operationally.
Pilot training alone is a year or slightly more in length. Had a
USN F-18C/D engine mechanic who told me his school was about a yearlong as well (I can vouch for this based on my ASVAB score it qualified me for aircraft engine or EW/or Avionics training then in Millington TN. now at Pensacola FL.)
Concerning the next I would've thought the
Eurofighter was already flying in the SEAD role, however, it isn't and won't be until
2030 or so.
For
Germany the focus of this article means the very capable
Panavia Tornado electronic combat and reconnaissance (
ECR) jets will continue in that role. Reason for replacement airframe age averaging
around 30 years currently.
UK faces the same issue and will modifying their
TRANCHE 3 versions to be completed also by
2030 or so.
They were also using the
ECR as well up to
FEB 2019 and replaced by the
TYPHOON in the
SEAD role during the
transition of the ECR retirement.
The weapon the UK carried was the
ALARM retired in
DEC. 2013.
https://weaponsystems.net/system/106-ALARM.
It was replaced by the
STORM SHADOW for
SEAD providing a "
standoff" capability.
https://www.flightglobal.com/defence...LLER-061223-JM
NOTE: MILTARY-TODAY website is not available. I'm assuming due to the war in Ukraine where they were based out of. It is my hope they will come back online as they covered such a wide variety of weapons systems and platforms.
Regards,
Pat
