GRIPEN FOR SWITZERLAND
BILATERAL STRATEGIC CO-OPERATION
Co-operation between independent countries – Gripen is the neutral solution. Switzerland and Sweden are independent and neutral nations with no ties to any military or security policy blocs. Their similar security philosophies offer a good basis for strategic co-operation.
Sweden is offering the following opportunities that will allow both countries to save a lot of money:
Training area
The Swedish Air Force offers to provide a training area in northern Sweden that is bigger than Switzerland which offers availability unhampered by any restrictions – like noise or night flight conditions.
Partner in the Gripen spares pooling programme
Sweden is inviting Switzerland to become a partner in the Gripen spares pooling programme, which enables significant savings on storage and maintenance costs.
All of these co-operations opportunities are possible without any compromising of both countries’ neutrality and non-alignment.
Furthermore, Sweden has a need for replacing its current trainer aircraft, the Saab SK60/105. The PC-21 from Pilatus Aircraft is currently being evaluated for a possible purchase by Sweden.
Photo: Gripen pilot with another Gripen aircraft in the background. Image: Katsuhiko Tokunaga