Earlier today the National Council (Nationalrat), which is one of the two chambers in the Swiss Parliament, reached a majority “yes” vote regarding the procurement of Gripen E.

There were several motions and votations made in the Parliament, all positive for the Gripen procurement. The main votation was the endorsement of the procurement with 113 votes for and 68 against. The financing and Gripen fund law were also passed with strong majorities.

The procurement now moves to the other chamber in the Swiss Parliament, the Council of States (Ständerat), where a vote on financing is scheduled for the 18 September, and where a positive vote for Gripen E had been made earlier this year.

“Naturally we are pleased by the vote in the Nationalrat, which is another positive endorsement of Gripen E,” says Lennart Sindahl, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area.

“Whilst we respect and are following the political process closely, we continue to progress our Swiss industrial participation programme, which is generating business throughout all regions of Switzerland. Even before a Gripen order has been signed, contracts have been signed between our suppliers and 117 Swiss companies valued at 315 MCHF. Saab continues to increase these values whilst ensuring the regional distribution of the business,” adds Mr. Sindahl.