Following the failure of the FFA P-16 program, Switzerland needed to urgently obtain aircraft from elsewhere. Therefore, in 1957, the country announced a competition for a new fighter jet. Britain provided two Hawker Hunter F.6 aircraft for the competition. The aircraft successfully passed the trials, and in 1958, a contract was signed for the delivery of 100 aircraft to the Swiss Air Force. Twelve of the aircraft were taken directly from the British Air Force, and the remaining 88 were built from scratch under the designation Hunter F.58. All Swiss Hunters were equipped with a new radio station and radio compass.

In 1971, Switzerland ordered an additional 52 aircraft that met the Hunter FGA.9 standard. These were designated Hunter F.58A. The aircraft were delivered to Switzerland in parts and assembled in Emmen. During assembly, the aircraft were equipped with provisions to install AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and an improved Avon 207 engine. The aircraft underwent several upgrades during their service and remained in use until 1990.

The Swiss Hunter F.58A (1971) was introduced in Update 2.47 "Leviathans" as a part the German aviation research tree. The Hunter stands out for its good energy retention and powerful main armament, complemented by two air-to-air missiles. As usual, the main drawback of the Hunter is its low maneuverability. The Swiss version differs from the Hunter FGA.9 in its suspended armament.