The Swiss Armed Forces respect Switzerland’s grassroots democratic decision against the acquisition of the Saab Gripen on the 18th of May, says Schellenberg during his briefing, which is taking place in the framework of the AIR14 and the 100 year jubilee of the Swiss Air Force, in Payerne VD. The 54 F-5 Tigers of the air force will be retired by 2016, as communicated by the Federal Council prior to the public vote on the acquisition of the Saab Gripen.
“Deviating from this original decision could impede the future purchase of fighter aircraft” says Schellenberg. An additional combat improvement of the Tiger fleet is neither financially nor strategically reasonable. Neither the radar nor the weapons systems on the F-5 Tiger can be upgraded to a sufficient level to meet today’s modern needs.
The Head of the Federal Department of Defense, Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer, plans for the Swiss Armed Forces to be 100’000 man strong at the current budget, he mentioned this during his address at the briefing. He wants an army that fits the image of the centre ground. Maurer rejects an oversizing of the armed forces, we no longer have our old needs. But he strongly opposes a further reduction of armed forces personnel.

Longer Period of Service for the F/A-18 Evaluated

After Switzerland’s “No”-vote for the Gripen the Swiss Air Force is evaluating a slight prolongation of life for the 32 F/A-18s after 2025, says Lieutenant General Schellenberg. A replacement has to be planned in time: The main argument stays sustainability in a crisis. Air police duty can’t be the only reason for a new multirole fighter jet.
Schellenberg urges the need of a quick concept for the acquisition of new antiaircraft systems. An integrated air defence compromising of fighter jets and ground-based air defence systems is required.
From 2020 the Swiss Air Force will safeguard the airspace with intervention capabilities 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The Swiss Air Force will provide support in a crisis or to support civilian authorities in extraordinary situations. Furthermore the air force has to muster the ability to establish a localized sovereignty over our airspace, to protect our own troops. Air transport and gathering intelligence for political and armed forces leadership will remain one of the air force’s tasks.

AIR14 as a Starting Signal

Project management needs to be strengthened, this includes communication: “If the Swiss population is aware of what we provide, they will surely support us. Sadly we didn’t succeed on the 18th of May and we have to ensure that that doesn’t happen again.”

„The Air Force is Still Going Higher“