Boeing announced on the 30^th April that it had withdrawn its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet from a competition to provide the Swiss Air Force with a new combat aircraft to replace its fleet of Northrop F-5E Tiger IIs.

Boeing’s pull of the Super Hornet – which came before proposal submission – was linked to what it considered a gap between the aircraft and Switzerland’s requirements, as described by the manufacturer in a statement.

“After a thorough review of Switzerland’s requirements for partial replacement of its Tiger fighter aircraft, Boeing has decided not to enter the competition due to the disparity between the requirements for an F-5 replacement aircraft and the next-generation capabilities of the F/A-18E/F Block II Super Hornet”, it said.

Typhoon, Rafale, Gripen

With the Super Hornet’s departure, three aircraft are likely to now be involved in the bidding.

These are the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Dassault Rafale and the Saab Gripen.

Indian Air Force Contract

All three types – as well as the Super Hornet - are also bidding to win the Indian Air Force jet fighter contract. This contract – the bidding deadline for which came earlier this week – is for the provision of 126 new combat aircraft for India.

Aside from these four aircraft, the Russian Mig 35 and US Lockheed Martin F-16 are also in the running.

Swiss F/A18 Hornets

As well as the older F-5E Tiger IIs, the Swiss Air Force also operates 33 F/A18 Hornets. Even though Boeing has withdrawn, it has pledged its ongoing commitment to modernizing and supporting these aircraft.

54 F-5E Tiger IIs are currently in service with the Swiss Air Force, but their retirement is planned to begin in two years time.

Patrouille Suisse

The 54 aircraft fly with thee squadrons – the 8^th and 19^th, and the Patrouille Suisse – the Swiss Air Force’s national display team.

There are nine Air Force bases in Switzerland, of which the chief site is Payerne.

Source – Armed Forces International’s Aviation Expert

Recent related News Items:

Boeing Super Hornet -

Boeing Delivers Super Hornet Proposal to Indian AF

Australia Confirms Super Hornets for Air Force

Swiss Air Force -

Switzerland to Hold Air Force Jet Training Flights Vote