The Purchase of Fighter Planes for Switzerland Will Be Evaluated Again In 2017
(Source: Swiss Radio and Television, RTS; broadcast April 20, 2015)
(Unofficial translation from French by Defense-Aerospace.com)
Despite having lost a referendum on whether to buy 22 new fighters a year ago, the Swiss defense minister wants to try again in 2017, as the current fighter fleet continues to shrink. (Swiss AF photo)
Defence Minister Ueli Maurer told Swiss RTS television that the situation was critical for air policing and that the purchase of new fighter aircraft will be evaluated in 2017. The Federal Councillor (minister) also indicated the urgency of buying new fighter jets, as ten Tigers will have to be retired due to cracks.
This opinion was voices Saturday, on the sidelines of the Assembly of Delegates of the UDC party, almost a year after the Swiss people voted against buying 22 new fighters in a May 18, 2014 referendum.
Gripen, Rafale and US a plane
Maurer believes that the updates provided for the FA-18 to extend their careers until 2030 or 2035 will not be sufficient if a conflict broke out in Europe, especially as there are only 32 of these aircraft. A new evaluation of options is therefore expected in 2017, the minister explained.
As for the types of aircraft that will be part of the selection process, he cited the Swedish Gripen, which was selected by the military before the purchase was refused. The Rafale and a US fighter aircraft should also be included, Maurer said, adding that the Eurofighter is no longer in the running without providing any reason.
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