Swiss Social Democrats demand air force cooperation with Austria!

Swiss Social Democrats demand air force cooperation with Austria!

There is currently intensive discussion in Switzerland about the realignment of defense, particularly with regard to the planned procurement of F-35 fighter jets from the USA. How oe24 reports, the Social Democratic Party (SP) is proposing a merger of the Swiss and Austrian air forces. This could not only increase security, but also bring about significant cost reductions.

However, Defense Minister Martin Pfister from the Center Party is clearly in favor of purchasing at least 30 F-35 aircraft, which he describes as “no alternative”. While the SP criticizes the current arms deals as ineffective and too costly, it calls for a more realistic strategy for airspace protection that addresses more modern challenges such as the use of drones.

Cost debacle when purchasing the F-35

The cost framework for the F-35 has shifted significantly. Originally, a fixed price of around 6 billion francs was given for the procurement of 36 jets, but how 20 minutes As a result, additional costs of up to 1.3 billion francs could become a reality. Reports show that only rudimentary armament was included in the original contract, meaning Switzerland will have to invest additionally in new armaments.

The Swiss Air Force's existing guided missiles are nearing the end of their useful life, and new infrared guided missiles are estimated to cost an additional 400 million francs. In addition, the use of the F-35 engine is expected to lead to further challenges as it is considered to be prone to breakdowns. An exchange could even cost 430 million francs.

Political tensions and alternatives

Amid these financial uncertainties and the threat of additional costs, European manufacturers, such as Eurofighter and the French Rafale, are showing interest in Switzerland. The SP also advocates working with European countries to avoid the F-35 purchase. At the same time, the SP describes the total costs for the F-35 and Patriot anti-aircraft missiles as a “billion-dollar grave” and calls for a change of course in the defense strategy.

The Swiss government is facing a complex situation: Loud srf Government members warn that without the purchase of new jets there may no longer be a functioning air force by the 2030s. Pfister plans to present a proposal for a way forward by the end of November, as discussions about the actual cost of the F-35 aircraft and the future requirements of the Swiss Air Force continue to intensify.