Switzerland Approves Funding On Gripen Fighter Aircraft Project

The Swiss Parliament approves funding of 3.1 billion francs for the acquisition of 22 Gripen fighter aircraft project.

The Swiss Council of States (Ständerat) had already voted in favour of the procurement of Gripen E – Saab’s next-generation multi-role fighter – and for a special procurement fund in March this year. But this month's votation which passed with a clear absolute majority of 27 votes for and 17 against means the procurement has secured the necessary support in both chambers.

At the end of the current parliamentary session, on 27 September, both chambers of the Swiss Parliament; the Ständerat and the National Council (Nationalrat), will revisit and revote on all federal decisions taken during the session, which would include the procurement of Gripen E.

“This a strong endorsement of Gripen, which is the most modern state-of-the art fighter and the most cost-efficient option for Switzerland. The Gripen E is based on a proven platform, and with Sweden committed and the fighter already in pre-production this is a comparatively low risk acquisition" says Lennart Sindahl, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area.