By Nathan Gain

The "Société Anonyme Belge de Constructions Aéronautiques" (SABCA) on April 23 won a US$ 2.8 million follow-on contract within the Service Life Sustainment Program for the Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) F-16 Block 15 aircraft, the European Tenders electronic daily online platform announced today.

RDAF F-16 fighter jets
(Credit: Facebook/Denmark Armed Forces)

In 2015, the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO) entered into a framework agreement regarding the Service Life Sustainment Program for the Danish F-16 Block 15 aircraft with SABCA. The contract expires in 2022. The contract was subject to a public procurement procedure before being awarded to SABCA.

The estimated value of the framework agreement was US$ 1.6 – 5.6 million. However, DALO intends to increase the value of purchases for the entire duration of the framework agreement. The new estimate is US$5.6 - 8.6 million.

In June 2016, Denmark confirmed plans to procure 27 F-35As to replace its aged fleet of F-16 fighter jets. The first aircraft will be delivered in 2021 to Luke AFB, before stationing the first F-35As in Denmark starting 2022.

SABCA is one of the main aerospace companies in Belgium. Founded in 1920, it has built an extensive and varied know-how based on its 95+ years experience in designing, building and upgrading large and complex elements for aircraft and space launchers. 

Several types of military aircraft and helicopters find a home at SABCA's Charleroi plant for heavy maintenance, repairs or major upgrades. More than 12 Air Forces around the world are regular customers of the SABCA Charleroi plant. Besides Belgian and Danish F-16 fighter jets, SABCA is in charge of maintaining US Air Force A-10 Tunderbolt II close air-support aircraft based in Europe.