DefenceTalkSwiss voters rejected a 3.1 billion- franc ($3.5 billion) order for Gripen fighter jets, a setback to Swedish defense company Saab AB. The 22-plane contract, which Switzerland awarded 2 1/2 years ago, was opposed by 53.4 percent of voters, the government in Bern said on its website today. That’s in line with the latest survey […]https://www.defencetalk.com/swiss-voters-reject-3-5-billion-gripen-purchase-59619/

DefenceTalkSwedish Radio today reveals new information on the multi-billion dollar purchase of Gripen fighter aircraft by Switzerland. Top secret documents show the Swedish Embassy in Bern has been more deeply involved in the Swiss internal political process than previously known. In less than three weeks Switzerland will hold a referendum on whether to buy 22 […]https://www.defencetalk.com/sweden-covertly-lobbied-swiss-politicians-for-gripen-sale-59433/

DefenceTalkSwitzerland’s Christian Democrat Party, CVP, no longer wants to spearhead the Yes-campaign ahead of a referendum which could determine whether or not Switzerland will purchase 22 JAS Gripen fighter jets from Saab. The decision follows hot on the heels of Swedish Radio News’ exposure of Sweden’s plans to launch a PR-drive in Switzerland with the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/swedish-jas-gripen-lobbying-leads-to-political-fallout-in-switzerland-58796/

DefenceTalkSwedish Radio News has obtained documents outlining Sweden’s plans to impact a referendum in Switzerland which could determine whether or not the Swiss air force purchases 22 new Jas Gripen fighter jets. A number of defense authorities, several members of the Swedish Cabinet Office as well as seven Swedish ministers have been made aware of […]https://www.defencetalk.com/swedens-plan-to-impact-swiss-gripen-deal-50701/

DefenceTalkSwitzerland’s plan to buy 22 fighter jets from Sweden will be put to the Swiss public in a referendum on May 18, the Alpine country’s government announced Wednesday. The decision came after opponents submitted more than 65,000 valid signatures to the authorities, which under the Swiss system of direct democracy is enough to force a […]https://www.defencetalk.com/swiss-to-vote-in-may-on-fighter-deal-50220/

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 House of Representatives has agreed to buy fighter jets from Swedish aerospace company Saab. The controversial purchase still needs the final nod from the Senate – and the approval of a sceptical public in a likely referendum. On Wednesday, parliamentarians cleared the necessary proposals: an armaments programme to buy the 22 Gripen planes, a […]https://www.defencetalk.com/swiss-gripen-fighter-aircraft-purchase-clears-hurdle-in-parliament-49039/

DefenceTalkThe decision by the upper chamber of the Swiss parliament not to release funds for the purchase of new JAS Gripen fighter jets from Sweden has renewed doubt about the deal. On Tuesday, the upper house the Council of States approved the defence ministry purchase by 22 votes to 20, but blocked the necessary funds. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/sweden-sanguine-at-swiss-gripen-jet-purchase-delay-47068/

DefenceTalkDefence and security company Saab has signed an agreement with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for Gripen E. The agreement includes development and modification of Gripen E for Sweden during the period 2013-2026 and a possible order for new production of Gripen E from Switzerland. FMV has today placed an initial development order of […]https://www.defencetalk.com/saab-signs-next-generation-fighter-aircraft-gripen-e-development-deal-46827/