The US State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale of F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft to Switzerland.

The sale includes 40 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft and related equipment worth an estimated $7.452bn and 40 F-35 JSF aircraft and related equipment worth about $6.58bn.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has also notified Congress about the sales.

Under the $7.452bn deal, Switzerland has requested 36 F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft, 72 F414-GE-400 engines (installed), 4 F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft and eight F414-GE-400 engines (installed).

Among the others are 16 F414-GE-400 spare engines, 44 M61A2 20MM gun systems, 25 Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking Infrared (ATFLIR)/other targeting pod, 55 AN/ALR-67(V)3 Electric Warfare Countermeasures Receiving sets and 55 AN/ALQ-214 Integrated Countermeasures systems.

As part of the $6.58bn sale, Switzerland requested 40 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) aircraft, 46 Pratt & Whitney F-135 engines, 40 Sidewinder AIM-9X Block II+ (Plus) Tactical Missiles, 50 Sidewinder AIM-9X Block II Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs) and six Sidewinder AIM-9X Block II Special Air Training Missiles (NATMS).

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

The DSCA said in a statement: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly European nation that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.”

In a separate development, the US approved a possible foreign military sale of items and services to the Government of India to extend follow-on support for the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft fleet.

Under the $90m sale, the US will also provide aircraft consumables spares and repair / return parts and ground support and equipment.

Last month, State Department approved a sale of four AE-2100D Turbo Prop engines and two Multifunctional, Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminal Block Upgrade Two (MIDS-LVT BU2) to France.

Airforce Technology Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Airforce Technology Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now