The Local Switzerland

US firm pitches ‘budget’ jets for Swiss air force

Tue, 27 May 2014 12:18:00 +0200

American company Textron Airland is bidding to sell its “budget” Scorpion jets to the Swiss government at one-seventh the cost of Swedish Gripen fighter planes turned down by voters in Switzerland this month.

Voters shoot down Swedish fighter jet deal

Sun, 18 May 2014 20:41:00 +0200

The Swiss allowed a multi-billion-dollar deal to buy fighter jets from Sweden to crash and burn Sunday, when a majority turned out to nix funding for the purchase.

New Swede named to Bern amid Gripen flap

Wed, 30 Apr 2014 23:30:00 +0200

Sweden appointed a new ambassador to Switzerland Wednesday, a day after a media report that the current envoy lobbied Swiss parliamentarians to promote the sale of Swedish fighter jets.

Defence minister under fire for 'sexist' speeches

Tue, 29 Apr 2014 00:54:00 +0200

Swiss Defence Minister Ueli Maurer is under attack for repeatedly making sexist comments in a gag used to promote the planned purchase of Swedish Gripen fighter jets by the state.

Swiss party tells Sweden to butt out over Gripen

Sun, 16 Feb 2014 14:49:00 +0100

The Swedish government has been blamed for "interfering" too much in the referendum on the purchase of Gripen jets in Switzerland, causing the Christian Democrats to pledge to withdraw support for leading the yes campaign.

Swiss fury over Saab 'meddling' in Gripen vote

Wed, 22 Jan 2014 10:20:00 +0100

Swedish defence contractor Saab has been slammed over claims of attempting to influence a referendum in Switzerland that could determine whether or not the Swiss air force purchases 22 new Jas Gripen fighter jets.

May referendum looms on Gripen plane deal

Tue, 14 Jan 2014 19:13:00 +0100

The Swiss public could vote as early as May on a deal to buy 22 fighter planes from Sweden after opponents on Tuesday submitted over 100,000 signatures seeking a referendum.

Referendum campaign opposes new combat jets

Wed, 09 Oct 2013 00:55:00 +0200

Left-wing groups on Tuesday officially launched a referendum against the Swiss government’s plan to buy 22 Swedish Gripen fighter planes at a cost of 3.13 billion francs ($3.46 billion).

Gripen jet order faces referendum next spring

Wed, 18 Sep 2013 12:36:00 +0200

Swiss citizens are expected to vote next spring on whether to accept a government plan to purchase 22 Swedish fighter jets for 3.12 billion francs ($3.37 billion).

Hurdles linger as Swiss MPs back combat planes

Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:56:00 +0200

The lower house of the Swiss parliament gave its blessing on Wednesday to a controversial deal to purchase 22 Swedish fighter jets but hurdles remain before the deal can be finalized.

Swiss remain against Gripen fighter jets: poll

Sun, 08 Sep 2013 23:04:00 +0200

A majority of Swiss remain opposed to the government’s planned acquisition of Swedish Saab Gripen fighter jets at a cost of 3.1 billion francs.

Swedish fighter jet order hits new political snag

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 20:53:00 +0200

Switzerland's purchase of 22 Swedish fighter jets hit yet another snag on Tuesday as the Swiss parliament suspended funding discussions amid reports that EADS was trying to undercut the deal by offering used fighters at half-price.

Switzerland buys 22 Swedish fighter jets

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:39:00 +0200

The sale of 22 Gripen fighter jets from Sweden to Switzerland was confirmed on Tuesday for a price of more than 3 billion francs ($3.1 billion).

Swiss go ahead with jet fighter deal

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 11:33:00 +0200

Switzerland has agreed details of its planned purchase of 22 fighter jets from Sweden, despite a critical parliamentary report on the deal, the defence ministries of the two countries said on Saturday.

Swiss to stick with under fire Swedish jets

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 11:27:00 +0200

Switzerland is to press ahead with its controversial purchase of 22 Saab Gripen fighter jets despite a highly critical parliamentary report into the deal released on Tuesday.

Swiss stick with Swedish jets to replace fleet

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:53:00 +0100

The Swiss government is standing by its choice of the Gripen jet to replace its ageing fighter fleet, the defence ministry said on Tuesday, after reported military fears that the aircraft was not up to
the job.

Maurer 'unaware' of Gripen criticism

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:42:00 +0100

Swiss Defence Minister Ueli Maurer had no knowledge of a critical report on the Gripen jet, the aircraft chosen to replace Switzerland's ageing F5 fighter fleet, his spokeswoman told Swiss radio on Monday.

Saab to cut jet fighter price for Swiss: report

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:05:00 +0100

Swedish defence firm Saab will cut the price on its Gripen fighter jet to ensure that it wins a Swiss order after French planemaker Dassault threatened to undercut its offer, a report said Wednesday.