The Swiss voice in the world since 1935
Top stories
Stay in touch with Switzerland

Details of planned fighter jet purchase agreed

Plane spotters taking pictures of a Rafale fighter jet
Over the past few weeks, plane spotters in Switzerland could watch the French-built Rafale combat aircraft as well as three other types of fighter jets in the Swiss skies. © Keystone/Peter Klaunzer

The government has confirmed plans to acquire new fighter jets for the Swiss air force for no more than CHF6 billion ($6.1 billion) over the next few years.

The bill, approved on Wednesday, foresees a lower than originally agreed compensation deal for Swiss industry. The acquisition of a new air defence system will be treated simultaneously but in a separate proposal according to an official statementExternal link.

In line with a request by the defence minister, the government decided that, under the terms of the compensation deal, the Swiss technology sector can only hope to secure business worth 60% (as opposed to the 100% originally agreed) of the total price for the jets from the producer country.

Parliament is expected to discuss the purchase by next summer. A decision can be challenged to a nationwide vote likely before 2021.

The air force is currently evaluating four offers from France companies Airbus and Dassault, as well as Boeing and Lockheed Martin from the United States. The Swedish company Saab was forced to withdraw from the competition earlier this month.

The Swiss government argues the country’s ageing fleet of F-5 Tigers and F/A-18s has to be replaced by 2030 at the latest to protect the country’s airspace and its security.

In 2014, voters rejected a planExternal link to buy 22 Swedish Gripen jets from Saab for CHF3.1 billion, overturning a decision by the Swiss parliament.

More

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

'Leopard 1 A5' combat tanks in Germany.

More

Switzerland eyes joining EU rearmament programme

This content was published on The Federal Council wants to explore the possibilities of joining the European Union’s €800-billion rearmament programme without compromising Swiss neutrality.

Read more: Switzerland eyes joining EU rearmament programme
Premiere for Swiss Air Force on French National Day

More

Premiere for Swiss Air Force on French National Day

This content was published on On July 14, the Swiss Air Force will take part in the traditional air parade in Paris to mark the French bank holidays with an F/A-18 fighter jet. This is a first for Switzerland.

Read more: Premiere for Swiss Air Force on French National Day
Industry calls for "lean implementation" of the EU treaty package

More

Swiss industry backs EU treaty package

This content was published on The Swiss business umbrella organisation Economiesuisse and the employers' association broadly support the package of agreements negotiated with the European Union.

Read more: Swiss industry backs EU treaty package

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR