Posted on 05/31/2017 5:49:27 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
ZURICH (Reuters) - Switzerland could eventually be in the market for as many as 70 new fighter jets or as few as 20 under scenarios laid out on Tuesday by a defense ministry task force examining how to replace the neutral country's aging air force fleet.
The most expensive and powerful option would be to buy 55-70 aircraft and ground-based air defense weapons for an estimated 15 billion to 18 billion Swiss francs ($15.3-$18.4 billion), according to the report.
It did not say which aircraft the government should consider.
The least expensive option would be procuring 20 jets and accompanying ground-based air defense systems for 5 billion francs. Other options called for buying 40 or 30 new aircraft plus surface-to-air defense support.
Switzerland is looking to replace its fleet of Boeing McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C and D Hornets and outdated Northrop F-5 Tigers, all of which are scheduled to be retired in the 2020s.
The cheapest option would mean keeping the F/A-18s in service longer than planned, the panel said.
It suggested the government decide by 2020 what kind of jets to buy and to finance the deal via the regular defense budget.
A F/A-18C Hornet fighter jet of the Swiss Air Force is pictured during a presentation at the airbase in Payerne, Switzerland March 27, 2017. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse REUTERS
Why do the Swiss need an air force ?
> Why do the Swiss need an air force? <
To provide air cover for their navy.
If you want to retain your neutrality, you have to be able to defend it.
The sucked up to the Nazis.
Swiss enemies will not come by air, they will walk and sneak in
FYI ping.
My ex flew the Tiger for a while.
The Swiss AF is awesome, people, don’t pooh pooh them. Go to CH and watch their exercises.
If any post deserved a reply it would be that one.
Kudos and a hardy HA! from a Swiss-Italian 25 percenter!
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