TSAMTO, June 10. Swiss Resource Lematin.ch On June 7, he reported that the command of the Swiss Armed Forces is inclined in favor of choosing the French Rafale fighter as a new-generation combat aircraft for the country's Air Force.
The latest reason for such statements was the speech in the parliament of the country of the Minister of Defense, Civil Defense and Sports of Switzerland Viola Amherd. Explaining at the request of parliamentarians some of the strategic tasks being solved by the Swiss Armed Forces, the head of the Defense Ministry repeatedly cited the Rafale aircraft as an example.
Several other publications, citing unofficial sources, also reported on the government's preference for the French fighter. In particular, left-wing political parties are categorically opposed to the purchase of American aircraft. According to a number of other political parties, Switzerland should improve relations with the EU, which tips the scales in favor of buying a European-made aircraft.
In March, French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly held talks with Viola Amherd, one of the central issues of which was the French proposal for the supply of Rafale fighters. In April 2021, it became known that the Swiss Defense Ministry signed a contract with the French company Thales worth 155 million francs for the supply of the SkyView air surveillance and control system, selected in 2019. It should still be noted that this purchase does not necessarily determine the choice of French aircraft.
It is expected that the decision on the purchase of new fighters will be made by the Federal Council this month. Some sources mention the date of June 23.
As reported by CAMTO, in November 2020, the Federal Ministry of Defense, Civil Protection and Sports of Switzerland announced that it had received final proposals from the leadership of the countries where the manufacturing companies participating in the tender for the supply of new fighters and air defense systems to the Swiss Armed Forces are located.
The government agencies of Germany ("Typhoon" of Airbus), France ("Rafale" of Dassault Aviation) and the United States (F/A-18E/F "Super Hornet" of Boeing and F-35A "Lightning-2" Lockheed-Martin) presented their proposals for delivery.
The proposal evaluation reports were expected to be ready in the first quarter of 2021, and a decision on the selection of preferred bidders should be made by the Federal Council in the second quarter of 2021.
In the case of Switzerland's choice of Rafale fighters, this sale will be a new success for Dassault Aviation after the purchase of aircraft by the Egyptian, Indian, and Qatari Air Forces and the choice of Rafale by the Croatian government.
