Swiss voters have rejected the country's planned purchase of 22 Saab Gripen E fighter aircraft in a landmark referendum on 18 May.
In a major blow to Saab, the country voted 53.4% against the proposed CHF3.126 billion (USD3.45 billion) purchase of the Gripen E to replace the country's ageing Northrop F-5 Tiger II fighter aircraft. Within a total turnout of 55.3%, 1.542 million Swiss voted against the purchase, with 1.344 million in favour.
The Gripen E had been selected by Switzerland in November 2011 to replace the F-5s, and had gone through a lengthy process of parliamentary approval prior to the public referendum.
The rejection now poses major questions for the Swiss Federal Department of Defence Civil Protection and Sport (VBS). In April the VBS stated it had no 'plan B' should the referendum go against the purchase of the Gripen.
The 54-strong Tiger II fleet has been in Swiss service since 1978 and is scheduled to be withdrawn from service in 2016. Meanwhile, the other element of the Swiss Air Force's combat fleet, its 32 Boeing F/A-18C/D Hornets, is itself currently scheduled to be withdrawn from service in 2025. With the purchase of the Gripen now rejected, the VBS urgently needs to identify a solution to maintain the country's air policing capabilities.
Speaking following the referendum result, Swiss Defence Minister Ueli Maurer stated that: "This decision has the effect of creating security gaps. We will make every effort to address these gaps in time in this difficult context. During the coming months, we must consider different options to find the best solution of readiness of the army."
A short-term solution could involve upgrading and refurbishing the country's existing Tiger II fleet, which could be maintained in service until at least 2020 should the need arise. Equally, a service life extension for the Hornet fleet will likely now be considered.
link.
No comments:
Post a Comment