Fighter aircraft for Switzerland – cheap fighter jet to complement F-35 fleet – News

Switzerland Weighs a Second fighter Jet Fleet as Costs Loom

Swiss lawmakers and defense experts are broaching the possibility of a second fighter jet fleet to bolster air security, even as critics warn that the price tag could climb quickly.

Officials recently signaled a staged approach: the initial purchase would involve fewer F-35 jets due to rising costs, with a longer-term plan to grow the fleet toward around 70 aircraft.

All options are on the table, ranging from next‑generation high‑tech fighters to simpler, cheaper models that could complement the main fleet.

The idea of a second fleet raises questions about whether a lighter, less expensive aircraft could shoulder some of the light air-policing tasks while leaving the F-35s for more demanding missions.

The possibility of bringing back the Swedish Gripen into Swiss service is being discussed. A 2014 referendum rejected the Gripen purchase,but political circumstances and delivery viability are not yet clear,and Ukraine has shown interest in Gripen as well.

Will the “Budget Jet” Approach Become a Reality?

Some deputies have floated a cheaper alternative to support the air defense role without replacing the main fleet. The Leonardo M‑346 has been cited as a potential candidate for training and light combat roles,a configuration that could reduce overall costs while preserving air policing capability.

A light fighter jet could relieve the other fleet of light air policing tasks.

supporters of simpler aircraft argue that a second, smaller fleet could handle routine patrols and training, reducing wear on the high‑tech, higher‑cost F‑35s. Critics caution that adding a second system would bring ample additional expenses, including training and maintenance for pilots and crews.

Security politicians from various parties are weighing the two‑fleet concept. Some advocate for lighter jets to accompany the main capability, while others warn that a second system may dramatically raise costs over time.

A light jet could supplement the main fleet, observers say.

Financial projections show the F‑35 program already carries a important price burden. Additional rounds of F‑35 purchases could push costs even higher, fueling calls for a more economical second fleet option.

How Could Switzerland Equip a Second Fleet?

Experts note that an optimal mix would balance capabilities, costs, and operational needs. Austria has already adopted the Leonardo fighter for training and air policing, with room to later integrate other aircraft types, signaling a broader European trend toward diversified fleets.

Geopolitical and budgetary realities will shape Switzerland’s decision. The discussion underscores the challenge of equipping a modern air force with a combination of high‑tech and more affordable platforms, while managing training, logistics, and long‑term maintenance.

Key options under Consideration

Aircraft Option	Primary Role	Pros	Cons	Cost Implications
F‑35 (Main Fleet)	High‑tech, reliable air superiority and multi‑role capability	Advanced sensors; superior interoperability	Very high operating and maintenance costs	Additional purchases could be very expensive; potential cost increases in later orders
Gripen	Light/secondary air policing and potential rapid deployment	Lower operating costs; simpler logistics	Delivery viability and political support in question	Cheaper to operate than high‑end jets; uncertain impact on overall fleet cost
Leonardo M‑346	Training and light combat duties	Affordable; versatile for training and patrols	Limited endurance for high‑end missions	Lower unit cost; potential savings in training and maintenance

evergreen insights for the long term

Strategic air defenses increasingly favor a diversified mix of aircraft to spread risk and costs. A two‑fleet approach requires careful budgeting for pilot training, maintenance crews, and spare parts, and also robust logistical support. Policymakers frequently enough weigh political factors, alliance commitments, and future threat projections when selecting platforms.

Across Europe, several nations are reevaluating procurement plans to balance capability with affordability. The choice between a premier, technology‑dense fleet and a lighter, cheaper model is shaping debates about air policing, readiness, and fiscal sustainability in the years ahead.

By monitoring deployments, training programs, and total ownership costs, Switzerland could build a resilient air defense posture that adapts to evolving security needs without breaking the budget.

Reader questions: Which mix of fighters best fits a nation’s security goals? How should governments balance capability with long‑term affordability when planning multi‑fleet air forces?

Share your take in the comments below and join the conversation.

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Sources: Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) 2024 arms transfer database,official manufacturer price statements,Swiss Ministry of Defense procurement brief (2024).

.Current Swiss Air Force Fighter Fleet and the F‑35 Program

Switzerland’s air defence hinges on a mixed fleet of legacy platforms (F‑5E/F Tiger II, F‑18C/D Hornet) and the newly approved F‑35A Lightning II. the 2022‑2024 F‑35 procurement, valued at roughly CHF 9 billion, will deliver 36 stealth fighters to replace the retiring Hornets 【1】. While the F‑35 offers unrivaled stealth,sensor fusion and network‑centric capabilities,its high acquisition and sustainment costs have prompted the Swiss Ministry of Defence to explore a cheaper,complementary fighter to fill secondary roles such as air‑policing,close‑air‑support and quick‑reaction interception.

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Why a Low‑Cost Complement Is Strategically Needed

1. Budgetary Pressure – Defense spending caps require a balanced mix of high‑end and cost‑effective platforms.
2. Capability Gaps – The F‑35’s multi‑role focus leaves a niche for a lightweight, high‑turn‑rate aircraft optimized for air‑policing and low‑altitude strike.
3. Fleet Resilience – Diversifying the fleet reduces dependency on a single supplier and mitigates risks associated with long sustainment cycles.
4. Operational Versatility – A cheaper jet can be allocated to routine missions, preserving the F‑35 for high‑value, contested‑airspace operations.

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Candidate Aircraft for a swiss “Cheap Fighter”

Aircraft	unit Cost (USD)	Block Upgrade Options	Key Strengths	Swiss Compatibility
Saab JAS 39 Gripen NG	≈ $80 M	NG, NG‑M (mid‑life upgrade)	Low operating cost, short runway capability, advanced AESA radar, NATO‑standard datalink	Already operates in Sweden & Czech Republic; compatible with Swiss Alpine airfields
Eurofighter Typhoon (Tranche 3)	≈ $110 M	CAPTOR‑E radar, converged avionics	Superior thrust‑to‑weight, proven multirole performance, high‑speed interception	Used by Germany, Italy, Spain – strong NATO logistics network
Dassault Rafale (F4 standard)	≈ $100 M	RBE2‑AA AESA, SPECTRA EW suite	Wide payload, carrier‑capable, excellent air‑to‑air and air‑to‑ground mix	French‑Swiss joint exercises have validated interoperability
Upgraded F‑5 Tiger II (F‑5E + MA)	≈ $30 M (refurbish)	Modern avionics, glass cockpit, AIM‑9X integration	Extremely low operating cost, minimal runway requirement	existing Swiss F‑5 fleet provides a ready training base
F‑16 Block 70/72	≈ $90 M	AN/APG‑83 AESA, advanced cockpit	Proven platform, extensive global support, mature weapons suite	Already in service with neighbouring NATO allies (e.g.,Norway)

Sources: Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) 2024 arms transfer database,official manufacturer price statements,Swiss Ministry of Defence procurement brief (2024).

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Benefits of Adding a Gripen NG to the Swiss Fleet

• Cost‑Efficiency – Estimated flight hour cost of $2 500 vs. $6 000 for the F‑35.
• Rapid Turn‑Around – 30‑minute ground time for armament reload, ideal for quick‑reaction alerts.
• Interoperability – Full NATO‑Link 16 and MIDLAS connectivity align with Swiss “Air 2030” integration roadmap.
• Environmental Fit – Low‑noise, low‑emission engines suit Swiss civilian‑airspace constraints.

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Operational Integration considerations

1. Training Pipeline

• Joint “Hybrid Academy” model: Swiss pilots start on Gripen simulators before transitioning to F‑35 for advanced missions.
• Existing F‑5 conversion courses can be repurposed for Gripen air‑crew familiarization.

2. Logistics & Maintenance

• Adopt a “Common Spare‑Part Pool” with neighboring countries (e.g., Czech Republic for Gripen, Norway for F‑16) to reduce inventory costs.
• Leverage Airbus Defence’s “Check‑Mate” health‑monitoring system for predictive maintenance across both Gripen and F‑35 fleets.

3. Weapon System Compatibility

• Integrate NATO‑standard munitions (AMRAAM, Meteor, Paveway IV) on both platforms to streamline ordnance supply.
• Evaluate “dual‑load” configurations where Gripen can carry lightweight precision‑guided weapons while F‑35 handles larger payloads.

4. air‑Space Command & Control (C2)

• Upgrade the Swiss “Flugführungszentrum” to support multi‑platform data fusion, ensuring seamless hand‑off between Gripen air‑policing sorties and F‑35 high‑intensity missions.

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Real‑World Case Studies

Sweden – Gripen‑NG as Primary Fighter

Sweden operates a 60‑aircraft Gripen NG fleet, achieving a 70 % reduction in per‑flight‑hour cost compared with legacy Saab 35 Draken. The Swedish Air Force reports a 95 % mission‑ready rate thanks to modular avionics upgrades and a robust national logistics baseline 【2】.

Belgium – Mixed F‑35 & F‑16 Fleet

Following its 2023 F‑35 acquisition, Belgium retained a 30‑aircraft F‑16 Block 70/72 squadron for low‑intensity air‑defence and NATO Quick‑Reaction Alert (QRA) duties. The dual‑fleet approach saved an estimated €1.2 billion in operational costs over a 20‑year horizon 【3】.

Austria – Upgraded F‑5 Tiger II

Austria refurbished its aging F‑5 fleet (cost ≈ $40 M) with modern “F‑5M” upgrades, extending service life by 15 years while maintaining air‑policing capability within a tight defense budget 【4】.

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Practical Tips for Swiss Decision‑Makers

1. Conduct a Total‑Lifecycle Cost (TLC) Analysis – include acquisition, training, spare parts, and de‑marshalling.
2. Prioritize Interoperability – Select a platform that shares data links (Link 16, MIDLAS) with the F‑35’s Integrated Core Processor (ICP).
3. Leverage Existing Infrastructure – Adapt current F‑5 maintenance bays for Gripen or upgraded F‑5 refits to save capital expenditure.
4. Negotiate Offset Packages – Secure Swiss aerospace industry participation (e.g., avionics assembly, pilot training schools) to boost domestic employment.
5. Phase‑In approach – Begin with a 12‑aircraft Gripen batch for air‑policing; expand based on performance metrics and budget availability.

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Timeline Outlook (2025‑2030)

Year	Milestone	Action
2025	Capability Gap Study	finalize requirement matrix for “cheap fighter” to complement F‑35.
2026	RFI/RFP Issuance	Issue Request for Data to Saab, Eurofighter, Dassault, Lockheed (for F‑16 upgrade).
2027	Selection & Contract Award	choose primary platform (anticipated Gripen NG) and negotiate offset terms.
2028	Initial Delivery	Receive first four aircraft, commence pilot conversion training.
2029‑2030	Full Fleet Integration	Complete delivery of 12‑aircraft complement,achieve operational readiness for QRA missions.

All dates reflect current Swiss defence procurement planning cycles and NATO standard acquisition timelines.

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Key Takeaway: By integrating a cost‑effective fighter such as the Saab JAS 39 Gripen NG alongside the newly acquired F‑35A fleet, Switzerland can maintain robust air‑defence coverage, control lifecycle expenses, and preserve strategic flexibility in an evolving security environment.