Saab’s
Gripen F test aircraft touched down in Emmen, Switzerland on 3 October, as part
of a campaign to sell 22 of the new-generation combat aircraft to the nation’s
air force.
Accompanied
on its 2h journey from Linköping in Sweden by a twin-seat Gripen D, the
next-generation development aircraft will remain in Switzerland for 10 days.
During this time it will be shown to personnel from the nation’s defence
committees and also appear at the Axalp air show on 10-11 October. The aircraft
will be flown by pilots from the Swiss air force and Armasuisse defence
procurement agency during the public event.
Saab
Switzerland
in November 2011 selected the Gripen as the preferred candidate for a
requirement to replace its Northrop F-5 fighters. Discussions over a planned
Swfr3.1 billion ($3.3 billion) deal are expected to run until a contract can be
signed between late 2013 and mid-2014. Aircraft deliveries are expected to
commence during 2018.
French
manufacturer Dassault is, meanwhile, continuing its efforts to offer the Rafale
for the Swiss requirement, after losing out in the earlier selection process, along
with the Eurofighter Typhoon.
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