13 May 2020

Covid-19: Swiss delay fighter, GBAD responses from industry

Switzerland has delayed its timeline for receiving responses from industry for its Air2030 requirement to procure new combat aircraft and ground-based air defence (GBAD) systems, though the programme itself remains on track.

Switzerland is planning to replace its aging Hornet (pictured) and Tiger II fleets, as well as procure new long-range ground-based air defence systems, under its Air2030 requirement.

As noted by the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection, and Sport (VBS - DDPS) on 12 May, with all of the participating nations currently being affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the country has taken the decision to extend the deadline for responses from industry from August to November this year.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has triggered measures worldwide, which also affect all candidates from the producing countries. Employees are absent or, due to the confidentiality of the dossiers in the home office, cannot work on the offers continuously as they do at the workplace. In addition, the travel restrictions make physical discussions between representatives of the candidates, Swiss industry and the [VBS-]DDPS more difficult. Discussions with Swiss industry representatives are necessary, in particular to promote the implementation of the requirements for compensation transactions and, due to the classification of the topics to be discussed, cannot always be replaced by telephone or video conferences. The [VBS-]DDPS has therefore decided to give manufacturers three months longer. The second offers must be submitted in November 2020. This gives the candidates the opportunity to submit the offers with the required quality,” the department said.

Switzerland has delayed its timeline for receiving responses from industry for its Air2030 requireme...

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