Swiss Air2030 drama builds as US packages tip budget scales
Two proposed US government packages exceed a CFH6 billion ($6.5 billion) budget limit for Switzerland’s Air2030 fighter acquisition.
The US State Department has cleared the way for Lockheed Martin F-35A and Boeing F/A-18E/F Block III Super Hornet aircraft to be bought by Bern, in the event that one or other is selected as a successor to replace legacy Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II and Boeing F/A-18 Hornet fleets.
An estimated cost of $7.5 billion is, however, attached to FMS approval for 40 Super Hornets (36 F/A-18E and four F/A-18F platforms) and ‘related equipment’ such as engines, weapons and sensors, while a
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Leonardo’s Proteus concludes ground tests with maiden flight on horizon]()
Leonardo’s Proteus concludes ground tests with maiden flight on horizon
The technology demonstrator forms part of a wider effort to help the Royal Navy explore the potential of uncrewed systems supporting its existing crewed aviation platforms.
-
![Airbus MQ-72C Lakota Connector progress on track ahead of pending USMC decision]()
Airbus MQ-72C Lakota Connector progress on track ahead of pending USMC decision
The MQ-7C uncrewed aircraft is currently undergoing further internal flight tests ahead of a government test event anticipated for next year.
-
![November Drone Digest: GA-ASI eyes Middle East for Gambit, Edge Group unveils new UAVs]()
November Drone Digest: GA-ASI eyes Middle East for Gambit, Edge Group unveils new UAVs
In November 2025, GA-ASI unveiled a new Gambit variant, the Gambit 6, and appears to be pitching the aircraft series to various customers in the Middle East, which is a fast-emerging CCA market. The Dubai Airshow also saw the unveiling of various Emirati aircraft from Edge Group.
-
![Baykar’s Kizilelma drone makes progress with first air-to-air kill]()
Baykar’s Kizilelma drone makes progress with first air-to-air kill
This test is the latest milestone achieved by the indigenous drone, destroying a target using a beyond-visual-range missile.
-
![Boeing to build Apache AH-64E attack helicopters for Poland, Egypt and Kuwait]()
Boeing to build Apache AH-64E attack helicopters for Poland, Egypt and Kuwait
The $4.7 billion international order for the three countries will see production conclude around May 2032.
