BERN: The second request for proposal for new fighter aircraft and new extended-range ground-based air defence systems has been issued to the government authorities of the manufacturer countries. armasuisse is expecting proposals by August 2020. On 10 January 2020, armasuisse has issued the second request for proposal for new fighter aircraft to the government authorities […]

DefenceTalkThe Swiss government on Wednesday reversed a decision to loosen restrictions on weapons exports to countries wracked by internal conflict following outcry over the planned move. Switzerland’s government, known as the Federal Council, said in a statement at it had decided “not to amend the War Material Ordinance”. That marked a reversal from its highly […]https://www.defencetalk.com/swiss-backtrack-on-selling-weapons-to-conflict-states-71922/

DefenceTalkSwiss prosecutors said Thursday they have opened a criminal investigation into state arms producer RUAG following a tipoff, reportedly over suspect weapons deals connected to Russian presidential bodyguards. The office of Switzerland’s attorney general (OAG) confirmed in an email to AFP it “has opened criminal proceedings in connection with the Federal Act on War Material, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/swiss-open-criminal-probe-into-state-arms-maker-71587/

DefenceTalkSwitzerland’s voters Sunday rejected a plan to axe the country’s military draft, bucking Europe’s anti-conscription trend and sticking to a tradition as Swiss as chocolate and cheese. Results from Sunday’s referendum showed an overwhelming 73 percent vote against scrapping compulsory military service, and just 27 percent in favour. Armed neutrality has been the cornerstone of […]https://www.defencetalk.com/swiss-reject-plan-to-scrap-military-draft-49188/

DefenceTalkSwiss voters will head to the ballot box Sunday to decide whether to abolish their conscript army, as much a part of the Alpine nation’s image as direct democracy, chocolate and cheese. Countries across Europe have ditched the draft in the two decades since the end of the Cold War, and pro-change campaigners say Switzerland […]https://www.defencetalk.com/swiss-to-vote-on-military-draft-a-national-bedrock-49125/

DefenceTalkThe interim Czech government said it plans to renew its lease of JAS Gripen fighter jets, while a parliamentary committee in Switzerland said yes to a proposed 23 billion kronor ($3.5 billion) purchase of the Swedish-made warplanes. Following two days of discussions of the deal that would see the Swiss military purchase 22 JAS Gripen […]https://www.defencetalk.com/czechs-and-swiss-boost-hope-for-swedish-gripen-48897/

DefenceTalkStarting last week of April, Saab teams are visiting ten locations in Switzerland, including three in the French region, and Lugano. The aim is to inform regional manufacturers on opportunities to cooperate and find new business partners. At the same time, experts are visiting Saab selected companies, to strengthen existing relationships and develop new ones. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/saab-sets-out-on-quest-for-swiss-gripen-partners-47736/

DefenceTalkDefence and security company Saab has taken the strategic decision to find Swiss companies to develop, produce and assemble major components of the Gripen E aircraft, including the rear fuselage. More than 35 per cent of the work will be placed in the French- and Italian-speaking regions. This will create business volume for Swiss industry […]https://www.defencetalk.com/swiss-industry-supplier-gripen-e-components-47331/