class=”sc-cffd1e67-0 iQNQmc”>
The military has a financial problem. In the coming years, more than a billion people will be missing to pay for the military equipment that has already been ordered. While Defense Minister Viola Amherd (61) does not want to know anything about it, army chief Thomas Süssli (57) warns of the end of the army. To close the most urgent gaps, he saves money every time. First, popular public events such as the “Air Spirit 24” had to be canceled.
But that is not enough. Süssli is currently concerned about the ever-increasing operating costs for outdated weapon systems. Süssli confirmed to the “Tages-Anzeiger” that he would rather get rid of the old F-5 Tiger fighter jet today rather than tomorrow. Defense Minister Amherd had also requested the dismantling. However, so far Parliament has resisted this. Because that would mean the end of the Patrouille Suisse.
“For me there is no room for negotiation”
But it is now clear that there is actually no money for that. Nevertheless, the bourgeois majority in parliament has no intention of giving in. “For me, there is still no room for negotiation at Patrouille Suisse,” explains SVP State Councilor Werner Salzmann (61, BE). “She is the figurehead of the army, every public appearance is an advertisement.”
This is important for a militia army; She needs the most direct line to the population as possible. “Otherwise we are heading towards an isolated professional army,” says Salzmann. “Parliament never wanted that.”
Center security politician Martin Candinas (43, GR) sees it much the same way. “The military just canceled public events. “It must ensure that it can continue to reach a wide audience in the future,” he says. After all, the Patrouille Suisse is an institution in Switzerland. “I would be critical of grounding.”
With the army message 2022, Amherd absolutely wanted to take the F-5 fleet out of the air. Because at the latest when the new F-35 stealth jets circle above Switzerland, the Tiger will no longer be needed militarily. This should save operating costs of 25 million francs per year. The Patrouille Suisse was on the brink of extinction.
Alternative suggestions were met with skepticism
But the bourgeois parliamentary majority wanted nothing to do with it. Salzmann admitted at the time that the Tiger fighter jet was actually no longer needed militarily, “but it is an emotional question.” Amherd’s ground attempt had no chance.
If we try again, it should be no different. Previous alternative suggestions have always been met with skepticism. It would be conceivable to replace the Tigers with propeller planes. In addition to the Patrouille Suisse, the air force already has another aerobatic team, the PC-7. However, it travels much slower.
“That’s why we often go to the big air shows with Patrouille Suisse. The slower and quieter PC-7s are often used on smaller occasions,” Air Force Chief Peter Merz (56) explains to Blick. “The solution with propeller planes does not convince me,” says SVP security politician Salzmann. “The dynamics are just not the same.” The Tiger fighter jet, which is once again under threat, still has many flying hours to go.
Source:Blick
I am Liam Livingstone and I work in a news website. My main job is to write articles for the 24 Instant News. My specialty is covering politics and current affairs, which I’m passionate about. I have worked in this field for more than 5 years now and it’s been an amazing journey. With each passing day, my knowledge increases as well as my experience of the world we live in today.
