Is a Joint Air Force of Switzerland and Austria Coming?

The paper explains that a joint air force with Austria could "save significant costs" and by setting security-relevant priorities, "increase security". The Social Democrats have adopted this position paper as a counter-proposal to the Swiss government's (Federal Council) rearmament plans. Defense Minister Martin Pfister from the party "The Center" particularly supports the acquisition of at least 30 F-35 fighter jets from the USA. For Pfister, this purchase is "without alternative".

Swiss Social Democrats Want to Align Air Force with Realistic Scenarios

The SP considers the arms deal to be too expensive. On the other hand, the F-35s are not suitable for the SP in light of new challenges posed by the massive use of drones in armed conflicts: An aggressor does not need to "advance with tank troops to the Rhine or use ballistic missiles," according to the position paper of the Swiss Social Democrats. Their co-leader in parliament, Samira Marti, told the "SonntagsZeitung": "We need to align the protection of our airspace with realistic scenarios." In this regard, she mentioned "hybrid attacks with drone swarms and cheap missiles". Therefore, the SP calls for a focus on "detection, electronic defense, and point defense". Specifically, rapidly deployable ground-to-air fire units and "light fighter jets" to defend against low and slow-flying drones are needed, which are much better suited for this task than F-35s, according to Marti.

Almost a year ago, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) announced that Austria would purchase twelve Leonardo M-346FA jets from the Italian manufacturer Leonardo - as a successor to decommissioned training jets of the Saab 105 type. Leonardo had promoted them as a possible complement or alternative to the Eurofighters. Similar light machines like the M-346 are now proposed by the SP for Switzerland instead of the F-35. These are "more agile, cost-effective, and efficient". However, since neutral Switzerland cannot do without high-performance fighter jets in air-to-air defense, the SP now wants Switzerland to cooperate with other European countries such as NATO member France and the equally neutral neighbor Austria to completely avoid the purchase of the F-35.

"Billion-Dollar Grave": Swiss Social Democrats Against F-35

The costs of the retrofitting planned by the government in Bern have significantly increased over time: The procurement of the F-35 and Patriot anti-aircraft missiles, also from the USA, now amounts to around 9 billion Swiss francs (9.69 billion euros), including the additional costs incurred so far, according to the "SonntagsZeitung". The SP sees this as a "billion-dollar grave". They also want to prevent the purchase of the Patriot, while the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) remains committed to both the F-35 and the Patriot missiles: The F-35 is superior to other aircraft, light jets are not necessary, and a ground-based air defense with a long range like the Patriots cannot be dispensed with, according to the Swiss Ministry of Defense in response to the SP proposals.

"We must rather cooperate with our reliable partners in Europe, within the framework of military neutrality," counters Marti. Autonomous national defense is "a relic of the past". Minister Pfister also recently emphasized the importance of reliable European partners - both in terms of economic and security policy relations. At the same time, he warned of gaps in ammunition, systems, and equipment and called for the rapid strengthening of the Swiss army. The government is currently examining various options, including a reduction in the number of aircraft or a supplementary budget. However, the fundamental decision for the F-35 remains. By the end of November, Pfister plans to present a proposal for the further course of action.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.