(B2) Bern finally opted for the American aircraft from Lockheed-Martin, the F-35A. The Swiss army will therefore not equip itself with the Rafale as France hoped
(credits: Swiss federal government)
36 combat aircraft
Switzerland plans to acquire 36 F-35A fighter jets to replace the equipment of its air force by 2030 as part of the Air 2030 program. The decision was taken on Wednesday (June 30) after 'tender.
To the detriment of European proposals
Four models were in the running. Two Europeans: the Eurofighter (Airbus, Germany) and the Rafale (Dassault, France) and two Americans: the F/A-18 Super Hornet (Boeing, United States) and the F-35A (Lockheed Martin, United States). United).
Better value for money
The evaluation of the Federal Council (the government) concluded that the latter has the best value for money, determined on the basis of four criteria: efficiency, after-sales service, cooperation and direct compensation. This last point is the only criterion for which the F-35A did not obtain the maximum score. It now remains to obtain the approval of Parliament.
And Patriots for ground-to-air defense
The Swiss government has also declared itself in favor of the acquisition of 5 batteries of Patriot missiles (Raytheon, United States) for its long-range ground-to-air defense system. It was in competition with the SAMP/T (MBDA/Eurosam, Franco-Italian).
A popular initiative in opposition
The left and the Group for a Switzerland without an Army (GSsA) have launched a popular initiative to oppose this decision. The acquisition of new aircraft for a budget of 6 billion Swiss francs was only accepted by a small majority (50,1%) during a popular vote in September 2020.
