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That’s what it’s about
Switzerland votes on replacing the fighter jets that have been in service since 1978 and 1996. It is not yet clear which fighter jet Switzerland would buy. Lockheed Martin’s F-35 stealth jet, Boeing’s F / A-18 Super Hornet, French manufacturer Dassault’s Rafale and the Airbus Eurofighter jet are in the race. Presumably, the Federal Council will determine the type of aircraft – and depending on it the number of aircraft – in early 2021. Only the principle of buying new combat aircraft and a cost ceiling of six billion francs will be voted on.
That’s what the proponents say
For proponents of the bill, one thing is for sure: Switzerland is only equipped for future threats with new fighter jets. In addition, it also deals with the tasks associated with the air police service. The new fighter jets are essential to the Federal Council. Argue with the ever-deteriorating security situation. One of the army’s tasks is to maintain air sovereignty for several weeks, even in times of great stress.
That’s what the opponents say
The opponents, mostly the Socialist Party and the Green parliamentary groups, consider that a conventional air war is unrealistic. If war were to be fought in the future, it would be more with missiles, drones, or in cyberspace. In addition, the new aircraft would cost taxpayers around 24 billion Swiss francs over its entire service life. In addition to acquisition costs, which are the subject of the federal decree to be voted on, there would be twelve billion francs for operation and six billion francs for infrastructure, retention of value, and improvements. For the air police service, cheaper, greener and quieter light aircraft were enough.
