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Switzerland issues second RFQs for new fighter jets, Bodluv air-defense systems

Swiss Air Force F/A-18C
Swiss Air Force F/A-18C Hornet during the 2018 Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in 2018. Photo: US Air Force

The Swiss defense procurement agency armasuisse has issued a second request for quotations for the country’s new fighter aircraft program and the Bodluv extended-range ground-based air defense systems.

The agency expects proposals to be submitted by August 2020.

According to the agency, calls were issued on January 10 to four potential suppliers, Germany’s Airbus with the Eurofighter proposal, France’s Dassault Rafale and Boeing with F/A-18 Super Hornet and Lockheed-Martin with the F-35A.

The second request for proposal is based on the analysis of the first proposal and on findings from flight, simulator and ground tests as well as audits with armed forces operating the evaluated fighter aircraft, the agency noted.

armasuisse added that the offers should include prices for 36 to 40 aircraft, including defined logistics and weapons, as a binding starting point for the detailed negotiations. The number of aircraft to be bought will be based on the requirement of the Swiss Air Force to be able to permanently conduct air patrols with at least four aircraft for at least four weeks in order to preserve air sovereignty, prevent unauthorized use and violations of Swiss air space.

The second RFQ issued by armasuisse on the same day was for the new extended-range, ground-based air defense systems. The chosen bidders are France’s Eurosam with SAMP/T systems and Raytheon with its Patriot system. Israel’s Rafael, which was slated to offer its David’s Sling system, earlier withdrew from the competition.

As with the fighter aircraft, the second request for proposal is based on the analysis of the first proposal, on the findings of sensor tests in Switzerland and audits of armed forces operating the evaluated systems.

armasuisse wants the proposals to include prices for extended-range ground-based defence systems capable of covering at least 15,000 km2, including logistics and weapons. The candidates are also required to clarify their systems’ capabilities of defeating ballistic missiles. Ideally, Swiss aviation company RUAG would be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the acquired system.

The agency did not provide info on when the final choice on preferred contenders in either of the programs would be made.