Warplanes: June 6, 2001

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The Netherlands has decided to go ahead with a $100 million program to modify 108 old F-16AM and F-16BM fighters to use the Link-16 tactical datalink system. (Another 30 aircraft may be added to the program if there is enough money in 2006.) The program provides for a prototype to fly in 2002, with deliveries of rebuilt aircraft from 2003 through 2007. The software to run Link-16 won't be available until 2004. Belgium, Denmark, Portugal, and Norway are involved in identical upgrade programs.--Stephen V Cole