Aircraft
Swiss Reject Gripen Buy in Referendum
Switzerland chose the Gripen after a thorough and protracted evaluation, and a framework agreement worth about $3.5 billion was signed in February 2013.
The Saab Gripen EF demonstrator in flight over Sweden. The Swiss people rejected their government's plan to buy 22 of them. (Photo: Saab)
The Saab Gripen EF demonstrator in flight over Sweden. The Swiss people rejected their government's plan to buy 22 of them. (Photo: Saab)

Swiss citizens have rejected their government’s plan to buy 22 Saab Gripen E combat aircraft in a referendum. The verdict was not unexpected, since recent opinion polls had shown a majority against the plan, despite its previous approval by the Swiss parliament. However, the “no” vote majority was only 53.4 percent. Under Switzerland’s unique version of democracy, many significant or controversial matters of public policy are decided in this way.

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