Smart to look for an integrated system for air dominance instead of “i want XX planes” isn’t it?
Not necessarily, IMO. Switzerland cannot even maintain 24/7 watch of its own airspace currently. Dominance is hardly something to aim for when you cannot even scramble a single jet in response to an air violation for several hours of the day and instead depend on your neighbors to do it for you.
The first target has to be adequate number of airframes and pilots to be able to meet a 24/7 QRA requirement 365 days of the year.
All of the contenders are more than adequate for the task, capability wise. But with such lack of will to get such a basic defense requirement met, it seems to me that the cheapest solution that meets your needs should do. The Gripen E will be more than enough for most of the roles that a neutral Switzerland will ever require of it. High availability, lowest cost of operation and maintenance (being a single engine jet with a reliable engine), an extremely capable long range BVRAAM (Meteor), modern WVRAAM (IRIS-T and R-Darter) and the ability to support and deploy a wide range of ground attack weapons if needed.
Capability over a certain baseline is overkill for Swiss needs. They’ll never need to use it. Affordability and the ability to work in a network comprising ground radars and air defence missile systems will be the key. Add the ability to operate from Swiss airfields and use their extensive tunnels.
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