✈️ Exclusive Benefits for Readers
Verified codes to save on your next trip.
What happened to the fighter planes of the FAE and we should have a supersonic fleet? We analyze this current issue in Ecuador of the fleet of supersonic.
Today we are going to immerse ourselves in an issue that awakens a lot of curiosity and nostalgia in Ecuador: the supersonic planes of our Ecuadorian Air Force (FAE). What happened, we need them and how much would it cost
With the video that you can see below, A series of comments and observations were generated about the lack of supersonic fighter jets in our noble air force.:
Thanks to these comments, A very interesting discussion was generated regarding the present supersonic null and what for many, should be almost immediate future: recover supersonic capacity for the defense of our airspace.
What happened to the FAE supersonic fleet?
To know the current situation we must go back to the history of the supersonic fighter aircraft of the Ecuadorian Air Force and it all started in 1977. This year, exactly the 14 from January, The 12 Sepecat Jaguar is for land attack, giving way to the creation of the first supersonic squadron in our country, which operated until 9 September 2002.
Two years later, The FAE incorporates the Dassault Mirage F1 as a multipurpose aircraft, flying in Taura for the first time the 26 June 1979, is 18 aircraft were retired from service last year 2010 after 31 years in service and more than 33.000 flight hours.
A few years later in 1982 with the aim of modernizing the supersonic capabilities of the FAE, the Ecuador Acquire 12 AIR AIA KFIR C.2 (They would be updated to the CE version later) as a multipurpose aircraft. After 30 years of service, They were removed from the fleet in 2012.
Between Kfir and the Cheetah, We'll talk, There is an airplane that very little is talked about or known about.: Mirage 50 donated by Venezuela. these planes 6 aircraft arrived 29 October 2009 A cord, but their operation was very brief due to lack of maintenance and spare parts to keep them operational..
Shortly before the retirement of Kfir, the Air Force incorporated 12 Atlas Cheetah C for hunting and versatile functions in 2011. Given the short life that these aircraft already had when they were acquired second-hand and the extension of the maintenance program had not been planned., They stopped flying 2019 and the last aircraft in operational capacity was retired on 2021, solo 10 years in service later.
Since then the country has not had any supersonic fighter aircraft., generating many comments about the real need or not having this type of aircraft.
We don't have supersonic planes, and now?
We are living in times of peace and without international threats that affect our sovereignty in the short and medium term., this as the vision of some readers. Drug trafficking was mentioned, But for this we are protected with the Super Tucano.
On the other hand, Others comment that it never hurts to be protected taking into account history and it is important to have a deterrent air force to make us respect situations that could arise., also valid points.
What is the correct decision?
The decision to regain supersonic capability is a complex issue that requires a thorough cost analysis, benefits and priorities of the country. What is undeniable is that the FAE has a rich history in supersonic aviation, And the debate about his future is still open.
Do it or not, must go through the analysis of the indicated points, but mainly the economic and social one based on the current situation of the country. Are there more urgent priorities and is there a budget? We must respond as citizens.
How much would it cost to have supersonic fighter planes again??
To contribute to debate, It is important to be clear about the approximate costs that an acquisition like this would imply for the general budget of the state.
The best current reference is that of Argentina, whose air force allocated a budget of $650 million dollars to reactivate its supersonic operation with second-hand aircraft. This value is divided into $312 millions of dollars for the purchase of weapons and spare parts, while the $338 remaining are for the incorporation of 24 F-16 aircraft in flight conditions plus one static training aircraft.
We are talking more about $13 millions of dollars for second-hand units, a pretty good value if we take into account the conditions and country of origin. Of course, These values only represent a part of what is to come for Argentina What is training, training, Infrastructure and operational costs to fly these aircraft, and much more.
We talk about values higher than $1.000 millions quietly. Of course, these values can increase substantially if newer or more modern aircraft are purchased.. Let's take into account the budget that Peru is allocating for this purpose, which exceeds the $3.500 millions of dollars.
How much does a new fighter plane cost??
Among the different market options we have the following list prices, just for the plane (estimated values and depend on many factors):
- Sukhoi su-27 – Russia: from $20 million per unit.
- KAI T-50 Golden Eagle – South Korea: from $30 million per unit.
- Saab 39 Gripen – Sweden: from $40 million per unit.
- Eurofighter Typhoon – European Union: from $70 million per unit.
- Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet – USA: from $102 million per unit.
- McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle – USA: from $110 million per unit.
I leave two questions for the debate:
- Should Ecuador buy fighter planes?
- If the answer is yes, What fighter planes should Ecuador buy??
I read them in the comments.
✈️ Exclusive Benefits for Readers
Search here for hotels ALL over the world at the best price.
Well, they could be in 12 a 24 Aviones which could be F-16 second-hand or Aviones Flipen because the neighbors are already looking for combat and Ecuador 1941
Hello Francisco, I understand, But do you consider to have 12 airplanes is enough not to be vulnerable, When in reality what would have been before your concern for the neighbors would be to strengthen all the FFAA and that further increases the billions that are needed?
12 It is better than anything. As usual, A squad was operational while the other remained on land for maintenance. The ideal would be 24. Here, The new presidency will play a key role in negotiations, If there is interest, either with the US. for the F-16 or with another nation, Like Sweden and his Saab.
More than anything, Everything will depend on the budget, There are billions and many needs in the country.
Good day
Unfortunately there is no assurance that the country can be calm without external threats, From there that the acquisition of hunting equipment is needed
My criteria is that a simlar option should be taken to Argentina, that is, second -hand aircraft F16, I understand that Perù has 4th generation and F Russian fighters 16 It could be dissuasive
Greetings
JIMMY
Hi jimmy, Do you consider that just by having hunting airplanes a country becomes dissuasive? On the other hand, Where would these resources be achieved even more with other needs in the most important country?
Hi nicolàs
Not having airplanes is an invitation to Atacame
If we have the planes and the thing would not be so blowing and making bottles
Regarding where to get the money, Unfortunately in my opinion it is an imperative need
Saluds
JIMMY
Hi jimmy, I do not consider having airplanes avoid the "atacame" factor since an army is measured by all its strength, Not only for airplanes and in it, We have a great disadvantage, So if the idea is an arms race, Millions of millions must be invested in all branches of the FFAA.
Yes, But due to the capacity of the small Ecuadorian air space and the minimum possible war scenarios in peacetime, At least should acquire 5 American F-16 hunting aircraft biplaza by joint military cooperation agreement with the US. With mixed capital investment (state and private).
It is an interesting idea of the theme of a few F-16 to maintain an operational supersonic fleet and pilots enabled for that purpose.
Obviously 🇪🇨ecuador, Ecuadorian Air Force must have hunting airplanes, the number the minimum 18 O 24 fighters ideal 48 O 72 fighters, The model one of the 3 or the JF-17 III of origin 🇨🇳chino but changing the technology and armament for one 🇫🇷 French or 🇮🇱 Israelita, Second option the SAAB 39 Fruit or third F-18 Super Hornet of 🇺🇸
It would be very interesting, But and the budget of billions for all those planes?
Nicholas, Dysuasive investment is the most effective, Then we will not be regretting.
F 16 2nd hand to maintain supersonic aviation is not a bad idea, But the lesson in Ukraine, in which U.S.A. has pressed and cutting military assistance to that heroic country is to take into account.
The flu 18 new aircraft and with all the "toys" that accompany it is a viable option and for some 25 a 30 years ahead and without veto worries from other countries. Also negotiate an engineering return and other benefits for Ecuador.
Also take into account the training time of pilots and personnel of mechanics and engineers is some years.
Many issues to take into account, but above all, budget, Where are those billions get? In my opinion, Thinking about aircraft as a deterrent attitude is not enough.
Excellent article, By tradition of Ecuadorian aviation, supersonic aircraft should be acquired, But there is the point unfortunately what maintenance and operation costs are very high in the country's fine situation
I agree Carlos, That is the problem at this time.