The Council of States rejects the continued operation of the Swiss aerobatic team. Despite emotional votes on their preservation.
Head back and fingers in your ears – a common ritual for generations of people in Switzerland when the patrouille Suisse whizzes over their heads. The flying squadron has been an institution in the skies of Switzerland for over six decades – and the pride of the army. As it is indeed intended to demonstrate the accuracy and operational readiness of the Swiss Air Force.
Now the Patrouille Suisse is about to be established. Too much effort, too little return: With this unromantic argument, the Federal Council wants to remove the formation from the sky. A stab in the heart of aviation enthusiasts.
melancholy and heartache in the Council of States
A rescue operation for the aviation fleet has now failed in the Council of State: the small chamber rejected a motion that called for Patrouille Suisse’s F-5 “tiger” fighter jets to continue operating. The decision was made by 25 votes to 19.
Legend:
<span class="media-caption__description" dataThe Patrouille Suisse was founded on 22 August 1964. In 1965, the team played a full season with four performances for the first time. Image: Hawker Hunter flying over the Aletsch Glacier in 1991.
Keystone/STR
The majority opinion of the Federal Council followed, saying that the “Tigers” were outdated. Their continued operation would require money which would be better spent on modernizing the equipment. The Swiss Army currently uses 18 F-5 Tigers and has 25 of them. All are scheduled to be decommissioned in 2027.
Sadly, the military now has to save money on things that are dear to us.
In reality, Parliament had already begun the end of the aerobatic team. As the “Tiger” is becoming more expensive to operate and maintain. Security politicians – especially from the SVP and the FDP – made a last ditch effort in the Council of State to prevent the fighter jets from being taken out of service.
The President of the Security Policy Commission of the State Council did not think much of the promise. The army must prioritize strengthening its defense capabilities and ensuring the country’s security, said andrea Gmür-Schönenberger. “And unfortunately now you have to save money for things you really love.”
Defense Minister Viola Amherd warned the Council of States of high costs if the Patrouille Suisse fighter jets were not phased out soon. “if the F-5 is to continue operating almost exclusively as a jet for Patrouille Suisse for another ten years after 2027, this will cost around 300 million francs.”
Legend:
Keystone/Fabrice Coffrini
Members of the Patrouille Suisse fan club presented a petition with more than 8,000 signatures in front of the Federal Palace today to preserve the aerobatic team. Jacqueline Hofer, Zurich SVP cantonal councilor and dedicated member of the Patrouille Suisse fan club, announced another rescue attempt on SRF. “A popular initiative may be launched.” You can count on the support of numerous military companies. «The Patrouille Suisse is a training tool for our pilots. And an chance to show the audience the capabilities of the Swiss Air Force,” said Hofer.
With his proposal, State Council SVP Werner Salzmann fought to keep the aviation fleet alive. “My heart hurts,” the Bernese began his fiery plea. “The Patrouille Suisse is the flagship of the Swiss Air Force and the Swiss Army.” The appearance of the fighter jets at home and abroad strengthens Switzerland’s image and the will to defend itself.
Salzmann insisted that operating a minimum number of “Tigers” for the Patrouille Suisse is not a luxury. Hans Wicki from the State Council of the FDP lent: The best of our pilots would fly in the Patrouille Suisse – “Top Guns of Emmen”: “Without identity-forming elements, a state becomes a disunited administrative unit.”
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What are the reasons behind the decision to decommission the F-5 Tigers in Switzerland?
Jets continued to operate. She emphasized the need for the Swiss military to allocate its budget more efficiently, citing the age of the F-5 Tigers adn the ongoing financial pressures on defense. The decision to decommission the Tigers, part of the wider strategy to modernize the Swiss Air Force, comes as the government seeks to enhance operational readiness and invest in newer technology, which is critical for maintaining national security in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
The Patrouille Suisse, known for its aerobatic displays, has been a beloved part of Swiss aviation history since its inception in 1964. however, with the current economic constraints and the pressing need to upgrade military assets, the continuation of the F-5 Tigers has become increasingly untenable.
Despite the passionate appeals from supporters of the aerobatic team, the prevailing sentiment in the Council of State underscored a commitment to future-oriented defense policies over nostalgia for the past. This highlights the delicate balance defense authorities must maintain between honoring tradition and adapting to contemporary security demands.