Swiss Air Force is planning a life extension for its 32 F/A-18 fighter jets after 2025, says SAF head Lieutenant General Schellenberg.
The move comes after Switzerland’s grassroots democratic decision against the acquisition of the 22 Saab Gripen fighters on 18th May.
The Gripen were slated to replace SAF's aging fleet of 54 F-5 Tigers which will be retired by 2016.
General Schellenberg says the Tiger fleet has outlived their life and upgrades 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 modern needs.
SAF currently operates 32 of the 34 Boeing F-18 Hornets, which entered service from 1997 to 1999.
He urged the need for a quick concept for the acquisition of new antiaircraft systems. An integrated air defence compromising of fighter jets and ground-based air defence systems to safeguard Swiss airspace.
From 2020 the SAF will safeguard its airspace with intervention capabilities 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
