Swiss fighter programme takes shape

According to reports, Swiss defence minister Guy Parmelin has requested for a budget of CHF 9bn (£7bn) to buy new combat aircraft for the Swiss Air Force and a ground-based Air Defence System (GBADS). This will fund around 40 aircraft depending on the type selected, which is in direct contrast to the smaller amount budgeted for 22 Gripen E/Fs that the Swiss deferred after a 2014 referendum. The Gripen E/F, Rafale F4 and Typhoon Tranche 3 previously in the running are now joined by the F/A–18E/F and the F-35, which indicates that the new fighters would replace both the F-5E and the F/A-18C/Ds.