Stealthy Switzerland: Why Berne May Get the F-35

David Axe

Security, Europe

A neutral powerhouse.

Key point: Switzerland hasn't made up its mind, but it is eyeing the F-35 as one option.

Four U.S. Air Force F-35A stealth fighters on May 31, 2019 arrived at Payerne air base in Switzerland.

The F-35s are scheduled to remain at the base until June 14, 2019 in support of F-35-maker Lockheed Martin in its bid to win the Swiss air force’s $8-billion tender for up to 40 new fighters.

The Swiss air force in April 2019 began evaluating the first of five different fighter types.

On April 12, 2019, two Eurofighter Typhoons --  an FGR4 single-seat, multi-role variant and a T3 two-seat trainer, both operated by British Aerospace -- reportedly flew missions from Payerne.

"A Swiss evaluator was noted flying in the two-seater," Scramble magazine reported.

Switzerland is testing five different aircraft. Besides the F-35 and Typhoon, the candidates include Boeing's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Dassault's Rafale and Saab's JAS-39E/F Gripen.

"Between April and July 2019, the five candidates will be in Switzerland for aerial and ground tests for a period of two weeks each, with public viewing opportunities," according to Scramble.

These tests will complete the same program with the objective to check the capacities of the aircraft and the data of the offers submitted by the different manufacturers. Each candidate will perform eight missions with specific tasks.

Performed by one or two aircraft, these missions will consist of 17 take-offs and landings. They will focus on operational aspects, technical aspects and special features.

Assessments will continue through 2020 before a decision is made. Armasuisse has asked the manufacturers to submit pricing for 30 or 40 aircraft, including logistics and guided missiles, among other criteria for the bids.