Boeing has announced its decision to drop out of the competition to replace part of the Swiss air force's fleet of Northrop F-5 Tiger fighters.

The manufacturer had prepared to bid with the F/A-18E/F Block II Super Hornet, but withdrew after reviewing the contents of an initial request for proposal.

“After a thorough review of Switzerland’s requirements for partial replacement of its Tiger fighter aircraft, Boeing has decided not to enter the competition due to the disparity between the requirements for an F-5 replacement aircraft and the next-generation capabilities of the F/A-18E/F Block II Super Hornet,” the company says in a statement.

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© US Navy

Boeing’s action trims Switzerland’s known options for the F-5 replacement contract to three likely bidders: the Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab's Gripen.

Although abstaining from this competition, Boeing notes that it remains committed to supporting and modernising the Swiss air force’s current fleet of 33 F-18C/D fighters, and for other Hornet operators including Finland.

 

Source: FlightGlobal.com

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