The Patrouille Suisse is in front of that: Council of States decides to end!

The Patrouille Suisse is in front of that: Council of States decides to end!

With a clear result of 25 to 19 votes, the Council of States met the future of the Patrouille Suisse on Monday evening and thus decided on the final end for the aerobatic relay. The decision was made due to the outdated F-5 tiger fighting jets, whose operation was considered too expensive. The Federal Council and the Army are planning to continue to fly the aerobatic relay by the end of 2027 before it will be taken out of operation, reported Today.at .

The Council of States contradicted a motion of the SVP Council of States Werner Salzmann, who had campaigned for the preservation of the Patrouille Suisse as a jet team. Salzmann emphasized the importance of the season as a contribution to Switzerland's defense ability and as a symbol of the country. The debate in the Council of States was passionate about passion, with some politicians praised the patrol as "top guns of Emmen", while others, including Defense Minister Viola Amherd, pointed out the financial restrictions. According to nau.ch , the costs for the continued operation of twelve f-5 million over a period of ten years are, which the majority of the stand convinced.

future uncertain

While the Swiss army is currently still using 18 F-5 tigers, the time is running against the Patrouille Suisse, which could be without active aircraft after 2027. The use of propeller planes is already being considered, but there is still no specific concept. Support for a possible continued operation of the relay comes from different sides, including the threat of a popular initiative by Jacqueline Hofer, member of the Patrouille Suisse fan club. The discussion about the future of the patrol Suisse remains exciting and its symbolism is undisputed, even if the financial framework is a major challenge.