The Dutch government has been offered the chance to fine late delivery of a competitive jet fighter to the Joint Strike Fighter, which is currently the preferred option.

According to the Financieel Dagblad, Swedish aircraft maker Saab made the offer on its Gripen NG in a last-ditch attempt to win the contract.

Parliament asked the cabinet earlier this year to allow competitors to the JSF to re-submit their bids.

The Netherlands has been involved in the development of the Lockheed Martin aircraft and has two on order. More than €1bn has been spent on the project so far.

Concerns

However, serious concerns are being raised about the total cost of replacing the ageing F-16 fleet with the JSF, which is put at €4.5bn.

Earlier this year, the Clingendael foreign policy institute said an armed forces which includes the controversal jet fighter is the least attractive scenario for the future of the Dutch military.

And a US audit office and Pentagon report reported that the cost of using the JSF fighter jet in the long term is a major concern and will be unaffordable for the US military.

The government will make a decision on whether to continue with the JSF project or find an alternative later this year.

The new jet fighter is needed to replace the Netherlands’ fleet of aging F-16s.