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Americans are moving forward! Only on Sunday did the Swiss people say yes to the acquisition of new combat aircraft with an ultra-low 50.1 percent. Now, the government of President Donald Trump (74) has given Switzerland preventive approval for the purchase of the F-35 and F / A-18 aircraft. This stems from a communication from the United States Department of State.
With the referendum on Sunday, Switzerland has not yet decided on a type: the request for the acquisition of the planes (6 billion francs) was approved. In addition to the Americans, who compete for the order with the manufacturer Lockheed Martin (F-35) and Boeing with the Super Hornet (F / A 18), two other suppliers are in the race: the Rafale fighter jet from the French company. Dassault and the Airbus Eurofighter.
Switzerland can be offered pumps
A statement from the US Department of Defense shows that the F-35 package has an estimated price of 6.04 billion Swiss francs. Boeing’s Super Hornet is even priced at the equivalent of 6.8 billion francs. Both packages would thus exceed the 6,000 million Swiss francs approved by the Swiss people for the purchase of new combat aircraft.
The published document also reveals details that were previously unknown in Switzerland. For example, what guided missiles and bombs the Swiss Defense Department (DDPS) had the two American manufacturers offered for an emergency. From the point of view of the fighter jet opponents, they are an unpleasant surprise: because the American offer also lists 36 bombs, some free-fall bombs, some guided ones.
The Swiss Without Army Group (GSoA), which was in charge of the referendum against the purchase of a fighter plane, has already responded via the short message service Twitter: “That is exactly what we mean by a pig in a push! That’s unheard of, dear VBS, ”the group writes.
Type decision falls in 2022
The United States now has until November 19 with the other providers to submit final proposals. As planned, the Federal Council will make the type decision next May. Parliament is expected to give its blessing in 2022. The Defense Department expects the first planes to be delivered starting in 2025. The last planes should land in Switzerland in 2030.
