12:52 GMT, May 25, 2009 defpro.com | Dutch Deputy Defence Minister Jack de Vries has recently informed the lower house of parliament about the agreement between the Netherlands and Chile over the purchase of 18 surplus F-16 Midlife Update (MLU) fighter aircraft. The deal had already been announced by a Chilean minister last month. The announcement of the agreement coincides with a visit to the Netherlands by Chilean President Michelle Bachelet.

The total price for the aircraft is to be around € 100 million (some CLP 787 million), according to news agencies. Yet, this sum has not been specified by the defence ministry.

Chile is to receive the first aircraft in 2010. Chile has already bought 18 F-16’s from the Netherlands in 2006. The Netherlands has furthermore pledged assistance to Chile for the training of about 75 Chilean technicians. The costs are borne by the South American country.