Switzerland has chosen the Gripen fighter jet manufactured by Sweden’s Saab group to replace the Air Force’s fleet of US-made F5 Tigers. The government said that it had made its choice on the recommendation of Defence Minister Ueli Maurer.

Parliament has to approve the choice before the order can be placed which is valued at 3.4 billion for 22 aircraft.

The Gripen was in competition with the Rafale, made by the French Dassault company and the Eurofighter of the EADS group.

“In opting for the Saab Gripen, the government chose a fighter jet that meets military requirements while also going for a solution that is financially acceptable for the defence ministry and for the armed forces, in both the medium and long term.”