Israel’s second generation jet fighter plane, the Lavi, is one of six highly sophisticated combat aircraft under consideration for purchase by the Swiss Air Force. The Defense Ministry announced last week that preliminary studies have been completed and the final decision will be based on tests of the competing aircraft.
The Lavi, designed and built by Israel Aircraft Industries and powered by American Pratt and Whitney engines, is due for its first test flights in Israel this month. It is competing against three U.S.-made planes, the F-16, Hornet and Tigershark F-20; the Mirage 2000 built in France; and the Swedish-built Gripen JAS-39.
The Swiss authorities said each plane will be tested in its country of origin and two finalists will be selected for further tests in Switzerland. The Swiss Air Force presently has 57 French Mirage-3 fighters. Millions of Swiss Francs will be spent on new acquisitions.
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