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January 14, 2020 | International, Aerospace

Swiss issue second RFP for fighter/GBAD replacements

Gareth Jennings, London

Switzerland has issued a second request for proposal (RFP) for its Air2030 requirement to procure new combat aircraft and ground-based air defence (GBAD) systems.

The supplementary solicitation, which came about 12 months after the first RFP, was issued by the country's Armasuisse defence procurement agency on 10 January.

As noted by the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection, and Sport (VBS [previously DDPS]) that announced the new RFP, the second request builds on data already gathered from tests and evaluations of the five candidate fighter aircraft and two GBAD types.

For the requirement to replace the Swiss Air Force's current Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II and Boeing F/A-18 Hornet fleets, Air2030 is considering the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Saab Gripen E, and Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). For the GBAD requirement, Air2030 is considering the Eurosam SAMP/T and Raytheon Patriot.

For the fighter aircraft element, the companies contacted via the government authorities are requested to submit the most advantageous offer for Switzerland. The proposal should include prices for 36 and 40 aircraft (including logistics and weapons), as well as other defined industrial aspects of the bid including offsets.

"The starting point for determining the number of fighter aircraft are the requirements to cope with a situation of increased tension. In such a situation, the Swiss Air Force must be able to permanently conduct air patrols with at least four aircraft for at least four weeks in order to preserve air sovereignty, prevent unauthorised use and violations of Swiss air space, and thus contribute to keep Switzerland out of armed conflict. In addition, the Swiss Air Force will use the new fighter aircraft for air policing around the clock, and, in case of armed attack, defend the air space for a limited period of time and support the ground forces," the RFP said.

https://www.janes.com/article/93660/swiss-issue-second-rfp-for-fighter-gbad-replacements

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