"Even if it were not mandatory, there would be coherence between a surveillance system of French origin and French planes," writes the newspaper. Le Matin also says the Federal Office of Armaments (Amasuisse) recently acquired the SkyView aerial surveillance system from French manufacturer Thales. They threaten to launch another "popular initiative" (the Swiss referendum system) which would further delay the acquisition of the aircraft to the detriment of the Swiss Air Force. The order aims to replace the old McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C/D Hornets and the few Northrop F-5E/F Tiger IIs for air police duties.Īlthough all four contenders have all the credentials to win the order, local media say the Rafale is the favorite over the Lockheed Martin F-35, Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet and Eurofighter Typhoon.Īccording to local media Le Matin, some Swiss politicians are strongly opposed to buying American systems. The Rafale was France’s third fourth generation fighter developed, following.
Switzerland is about to sign a deal worth around 6 billion Swiss francs (around 7 billion dollars) to procure 30 to 40 aircraft to be delivered by 2025. In a big boost to the Indian Air Force (IAF), three French Rafale multi-combat fighter jets that took off from France on Wednesday in a non-stop flight to India landed at an IAF base. June 4, 2021, marks 35 years since France’s Rafale fourth generation lightweight fighter saw its first flight, with the aircraft today forming the backbone of the French Air Force and fielded in limited numbers by four foreign clients. Read more: JF-17 vs Rafale: Why Pakistan’s JF-17 is a Serious Threat to Indian Rafale Jets The warplane is equipped with a twin-gun pod and 30mm cannon, which can fire up to 2,500 rounds per minute. The latest F4 version of the Rafale is part of an ongoing process to continuously improve the fighter and is optimized for networked combat, with new satellite and intra-flight data links, as well. While the decision on the next Swiss Air Force fighter jet will be made in a few weeks, local media report that the French-made fighter is on top of the "Air2030" tender. With more than 30,000 flight hours in operations, it has proven its worth in combat in Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq and Syria. While the decision on the next Swiss Air Force fighter jet will be made in a few weeks, local media report that the French-made fighter is on top of the 'Air2030' tender.
After being selected by Greece, Croatia, India, Egypt and Indonesia, the golden year of the Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft could continue with victory in Switzerland. After being selected by Greece, Croatia, India, Egypt and Indonesia, the golden year of the Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft could continue with victory in Switzerland.