'Private' F-16s to Fill Security Gap

AeroGroup International Corporation has received an acceptance of offer from the Netherlands Government for the purchase of F-16 Falcon fighter aircraft that were in service with the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF). AeroGroup's purchase consists of the acquisition of (7) two-seat training version F-16 "B" models, spares and support equipment and the option to exercise the First Right of Refusal on an additional package of (12) single-seat F-16 "A" version models.

AeroGroup CEO, Mark Daniels said, "The details of the final contract are being worked through with the attorneys on both sides and all looks great. We have been working on this project for quite some time, going through the process of getting clearance and approval with the U.S. State Department, U.S. Air Force and the Netherlands Government.

"We will be the first civilian company to own and operate the F-16. In my opinion, it is an historical event and a huge successful step in AeroGroup's future. Our customer, the U.S. Military agencies that we support, want a fourth-generation type aircraft with current up-to-date technology that can provide advanced presentations of threats to meet their training requirements and this is the ultimate aircraft to perform the mission. This expands AeroGroup's capabilities in its first and primary business case of supporting the United States Military in Electronic Warfare (EW) training. However, with the operation of two-seat F-16 aircraft, AeroGroup will also focus on a completely untapped and desperately needed service in providing required flight training in the F-16 to U.S. approved NATO countries. The opportunities in this area of training are incredible, as the F-16 is operated by 22 countries currently and is expected to expand."

Bridges US military's 'shortfalls.'

AeroGroup International Corporation is tactical aviation company created in 2001, it says, "to capitalize on the shortfalls in aviation support assets within the U.S. Military." AeroGroup has a staff of aviation professionals and an available inventory of tactical aircraft capable of subsonic and supersonic flight. The Company says it "...is well positioned to fly combat fighter support missions each year that go unmet by military training personnel."

FMI: www.aerogroupinc.com