Done in about 72 hours!
In August 2020 Switzerland concluded a competition to select a replacement aircraft for its fleet of aging F-5Es. As with the earlier cancelled replacement project the Dassault Rafale won the competition, this time competing against the Eurofighter Typhoon, SAAB Grippen, Boeing F-18E, and Lockheed F-35. Unlke the earlier program the decision was made to proceed with the purchase of 36 Rafale S aircraft, as well as a new ground-based air defence system based on the Eurosam/Aster 30 system. The Rafale S was a hybrid between the latest version of the Rafale C F4 and M aircraft. To facility long term operations from improvised airstrips and roadways the S retained some of the strengthened structure and strengthened main landing gear of the M, as well as the arrestor hook, but without the need for catapult launches the C nosegear was utilized and all other maritime modifications were eliminated. the S was also configured to carry AIM-9X and AIM-120 AAMs to retain a common weapons store with the F-18 fleet. Integration of the MBDA Meteor was also included though Meteor missiles were not ordered by Switzerland until 2027.
The first Swiss Rafales were delivered in late 2023, entering front line service with the 11th Fighter Squadron at Bern in 2024. The F-18s from the 11th Fighter Squadron were transferred to the 8th Fighter Squadron, a reserve unit operating F-5s. Over the next two years the 17th Fighter Squadron and the Patrouille de Suisse also converted to F-5s allowing more F-5s to be retired and F-18s to transfer to reserve militia units. A follow on order in 2029 for an additional 34 Rafales allowed the F-5E to be completely retired by its 2030 target date and for all F-18s to transfer to reserve units.
This model shows a Rafale of the 11th Fighter Squadron in 2026 operating in the QRA role, carrying two AMRAAM and two AIM-9X AAMs as well as a centerline fuel tank. Common for the QRA mission the centerline tank is painted high visibility red with the international aviation emergency frequency in large white letters to assist in interceptions of stray aircraft.
