Switzerland Buys Gripen NG Over Rafale, Typhoon

Switzerland has opted to acquire 22 Saab JAS-39E/F Gripen NGs in its long-running F-5 Tiger replacement program, says Swiss defense minister Ueli Maurer.

Gripen beat out the Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon -- Boeing withdrew the F/A-18E/F early from the competition.

The arrangement is a big setback for Dassault, which was hoping to finally secure its first export deal for Rafale. Eurofighter also was hoping to convince Switzerland to join the family, since Italy, Austria and Germany already fly the aircraft.

full article Switzerland Buys Gripen NG Over Rafale, Typhoon