Revealed - Switzerland Selects F-35 Lightning II to replace F/A-18 Hornets in it's Future Air Defense Requirements.

The Swiss Federal Council announced Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II is the aircraft selected from its New Fighter Aircraft competition , that will replace its ageing fleet of F-5 Tigers and F/A-18 Hornets .

Swiss government had to choose one of four contenders , Airbus’ Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault’s Rafale, Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet, and Lockheed Martin’s  F-35A.

• Switzerland will become the 15th nation to join the F-35 program of record, joining several European nations.
• Earlier, In 2014 the Swiss public voted to reject the purchase of Saab JAS-39 Gripens to replace the Hornets. 

Surrounded by five European nations, Switzerland has a total land border of 1,151 miles. At cruise speed (approximately 470 knots), an F-35A could fly north to south across the country in about 15 minutes and west to east in about 24 minutes.

"We are honored to be selected by Switzerland and look forward to partnering with the Swiss government, public, air force and industry to deliver and sustain the F-35 aircraft," said Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin's vice president and general manager of the F-35 Program. "With the selection, Switzerland will become the 15th nation to join the F-35 program of record, joining several European nations in further strengthening global airpower and security."

The Swiss Air Force will receive F-35A aircraft, a sustainment solution tailored to Swiss autonomy requirements, and a comprehensive training program.

The F-35 selection will deliver economic and technical advantages to the nation for decades to come. Swiss industry will have the opportunity to participate in research and development, production and sustainment opportunities that will extend their capabilities into the future.

As a new participant in the F-35 program, Switzerland will benefit from Lockheed Martin's dedication to autonomy and sovereignty in integrating indigenous solutions.

To date, the F-35 operates from 21 bases worldwide, with nine nations operating F-35s on their home soil. There are more than 655 F-35s in service today, with more than 1,380 pilots and 10,670 maintainers trained on the aircraft. 

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 114,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Picture Source : Lockheed Martin.