McDonnell Wins Swiss Contract

BERNE, Switzerland — McDonnell Douglas Corp. has won a $1.9-billion contract to provide Switzerland’s next generation of fighter aircraft, beating rival General Dynamics Corp., Defense Minister Arnold Koller said today.

Switzerland’s armed forces will buy 34 F/A-18C Hornet fighter planes from McDonnell Douglas, said Koller. Although General Dynamics’ F-16 Fighting Falcon--the other finalist put to a 5-week air test--costs 15% less than the Hornet, the F/A-18 is better suited to defend Swiss airspace, Koller said. The Hornet also offers more subcontracting work for the Swiss defense industry, he said.