The Politics and DV Engineering working group analyses current political developments in the defence sector. It provides independent facts and interpretation from the technological knowledge and experience of engineers.
The Politics and DV Engineering working group has questions and comments on the extension of the F 35 engine maintenance facility (Parliamentary paper2020D43600). The comments have been prepared based on publicly available information and defence technology knowledge and experience.
The working group is pleased that additional investment in this maintenance facility will bring more activities to Woensdrecht and certainly that this investment will result in spin-off of technology to the economy.
Page 1 Spillover
The working group does have some concerns that secrecy aspects will limit the spin-off. Not least in relation to the technological aspects referred to in the letter. For example, the requirements mentioned in the PWC report, which are placed on material properties of (parts of) the fighter aircraft in terms of strength, weight and temperature resistance.
Question:
To what extent do secrecy aspects limit the possibilities for spin-off to the Dutch economy?
Page 2 Risk
The State Secretary identifies two non-quantified risks associated with the planned expansion: a financial risk due to a deteriorating competitive position (compared to Norway) in case of non-expansion, and the risk of nitrogen problems in case of expansion.
Question:
Can the State Secretary quantify both these risks in terms of likelihood and potential damage or extra costs.
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The Hague, 18 November 2020
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Disclaimer: The facts and opinions given are based on open sources and on the knowledge and experience of working group members.
As part of the professional association KIVI, the working group is independent of political parties, governments and companies.
This is not an official position of KIVI. The association accepts no liability for anything put forward by the working group or its members.
Photo: US Air Force
