Gripens for Swiss Air Force

[Nick]

The Swiss Air Force has chosen the Saab Gripen over the Rafale and Eurofighter. They intend to order 22 of the Swedish machines.

http://client.globecartoon.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/globecartoon.woa/wa/dessin?id=1002182
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/676f617e-1b73-11e1-8b11-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1fVSofVL9

[pyro-manic]

First link is a cartoon in French, and the second is only available to subscribers?

[Nick]

First link is a cartoon in French, and the second is only available to subscribers?

Yes, the first link is a cartoon. Do I need to explain the joke?

As for the FT link, I got it direct from a Google search (Swiss Gripen) and it worked fine. Guess it hides behind a paywall when linked to.

Let's try Aviation Week instead -http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/awx/2011/11/30/awx_11_30_2011_p0-400145.xml&headline=Gripen%20Beats%20Rafale,%20Typhoon%20for%20Swiss

[Thorvic]

Yes it was quite amusing to see that announced this week as the Rafale camp thought they had it in the bag. However it was only meant to replace the F-5's in service not the F-18s so the big twins were all somewhat overpriced and over spec'ed for the role.The Swiss military had their hearts set on the Rafale so were somehat gobsmacked when the SAAB aircraft was selected.

It could prove interesting how many more countries take another look at the Gripen as their F-16/18 replacement as the F-35 slips further behind delivery schedule and its prices in the current economy is somewhat high. Given a choice between trying to keep their legacy aircraft going or switching to a cheaper quicker option must cross thier minds.

There is some question as to if these are Gripen C?D aircraft with some NG technology or the full NG variant ?

[JayBee]

That cartoon is BRILLIANT 

[raafif]

they got screwed !! -- box states 27,007 screws & ONLY 18,532 rivets !

       glue NOT included .... or decals 

[Aircav]

Will the Swiss mods include a cuckoo clock? 

[Taiidantomcat]

It could prove interesting how many more countries take another look at the Gripen as their F-16/18 replacement as the F-35 slips further behind delivery schedule and its prices in the current economy is somewhat high.

But the F-35 wasn't even a contender, and the Swiss never showed any interest in it.  And the Gripen will replace F-5s not F-18s. So thats not really an equivalent comparison. A more accurate question would be if the Gripen will continue to get second looks over the Typhoon or Rafale since the F-35 never entered the equation.  

Speaking of the F-35 are we ever going to get this unlocked:

http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,6630.195.html

Good job to Swiss, fine choice. It should also be remembered that since the Swiss are Neutral, they may not need a stealthy fighter with deep battle capability, Other nations will. The Swiss have a very unique military in a lot of ways, most of which don't work for other militaries. 

[Amphion]

Yes, the first link is a cartoon. Do I need to explain the joke?

Yes, please!

[Spey_Phantom]

Will the Swiss mods include a cuckoo clock? 

No coz the cuckoo clock is actually German. They will however be fitted with fondue sets.

so i guess it comes with additional army knives and watches then 

[Nick]

Yes, the first link is a cartoon. Do I need to explain the joke?

Yes, please!

OK then....

Sweden exports many good things. These include SAAB aircraft like the Draken and Gripen (and once upon a time, SAAB cars) and IKEA furniture, renowned for being boxed in flatpack form for self assembly.
Guess what lowcost present the Swiss general has just opened for Christmas...?

[lancer]

Nice to see the Gripen in service with another air arm, maybe we should be picking it over the F35, we could certainly get a lot more for our money.

The cartoon was pure Brilliance........when did Ikea go into the model making business??

[rickshaw]

You do realise that the Gripen was chosen as an F-5 replacement whereas the F-35 is considerably more capable than that?  You're comparing chalk and cheese but I must admit, a Gripen in FAA colours would look good...

[Taiidantomcat]

You do realise that the Gripen was chosen as an F-5 replacement whereas the F-35 is considerably more capable than that?  You're comparing chalk and cheese but I must admit, a Gripen in FAA colours would look good...

seconded  It is apples to oranges. Its very light even in comparison to the F-18. Can't land on a carrier either. no stealth.

Having said that I think the Gripen is the best light fighter in the world. Its the top of its class. but its not in the same class as the F-35

[Green Dragon]

Figured they'd go for the Gripen, it's a perfect F-5 replacement. The Typhoon and Rafale are just too big and expensive, more suited to the F-18 replacement when that comes around. Wonder if SAAB will go ahead with the Sea Gripen?

Paul Harrison