LYNN, MASS -- The government of Switzerland has announced plans to purchase 22 F414-powered Saab Gripen E/F aircraft, also known as Gripen Next Generation (NG), for its F-5 Tiger replacement program. The engine order is expected to be valued at approximately $250 million (USD), including, spares and Integrated Logistics Support package.

"A Swiss order signals the first export launch customer for Gripen NG, which can successfully compete for many years in the world market," said Tony Mathis, Vice President of the GE-Lynn Turboshaft and Turbojet Project Department. "We are excited to be selected by a customer that is universally recognized for its uncompromising commitment to technical excellence."

Rated at 22,000 pounds thrust (98 kN), the F414G has performed flawlessly in more than 200 flights in the Gripen NG test aircraft since May 2008. The Gripen NG offers significant increases in fuel capacity, range and payload compared to earlier designs.

With more than 1,200 engines delivered, the F414 continues to prove itself to be one of the world's most versatile family of afterburning turbofan engines. The F414 has also been selected for India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk II), and it is a candidate for several other campaigns, including Brazil and Japan.

GE is on an ambitious path to incorporate new designs and hardware to equip the F414 with either improved durability or increased thrust. The advanced F414 Enhanced Durability Engine (EDE) features both a new high-pressure turbine and a new six-stage, high-pressure compressor to triple hot section life and offers a significant life-cycle cost reduction.

The F414 Enhanced Performance Engine (EPE) will generate up to 20% more thrust and provides reduced fuel consumption by adding a new fan featuring greater air flow to the EDE core.

GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings.