Combat aircraft – The Council of States gives the green light to the purchase of the F-35A

– The Council of States gives the green light to the purchase of the F-35A

The Upper House gave its approval on Thursday for the acquisition of 36 new planes from the American Lockheed Martin.

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Due to the war in Ukraine and the change in the security situation, the debate in the Council of States was brought forward.

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The army must be able to buy the new F-35A fighter jets and a ground-to-air defense system. The Council of States approved credits of more than 9.5 billion for the army on Thursday, including six billion for the purchase of the American jet.

The 36 new planes of the American Lockheed Martin will cost 6.035 billion francs. Pricing has been negotiated with the US government and is final. 120 million francs are needed for aircraft-related construction measures.

These planes are to replace the F/A-18s and the Tigers whose life expectancy comes to an end in 2030, recalled Werner Salzmann (UDC / BE) on behalf of the commission. Switzerland needs these new jets and the people have already agreed to a purchase in September 2020.

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The F-35A obtained the best results during the evaluations, underlined the Bernese. It requires fewer hours of flight training. The number of take-offs and landings will be halved, said Salzmann. Kerosene consumption and CO2 emissions will fall by a quarter. It is the only choice that was necessary, underlined Charles Juillard (Center / JU).

Too expensive

The left has tried in vain to put obstacles in the way of the project. Carlo Sommaruga (PS / GE) would have liked to send the project back to the Federal Council and wait for the reports from the commission and the federal finance control in progress. Céline Vara (Vert-es/NE) recalled that a popular initiative opposes this plane and that the signatures should be deposited this summer.

Also, the cost of the plane is more than what is quoted. And to mention in particular the cost of kerosene. The price of oil continues to increase, beyond the geopolitical vagaries, advanced the Neuchâteloise. In addition, Switzerland will have to contribute to the costs generated by the repair of the 845 defects identified. “A small figure for such a complex system,” countered Defense Minister Viola Amherd.

According to Ms. Vara, the total additional cost amounts to 25 billion over thirty years. “Where will we get this money?” And Ms. Amherd replied that the Netherlands, which already operates the aircraft, respects the planned budget. “They had no bad surprises,” she argued. In addition, Switzerland will not pay more than the price that has been negotiated, she assured. In the end, the credit was supported by 35 votes against 8.

Signing of contracts

To the chagrin of the left, the Chamber of Cantons demands that the Federal Council sign the contracts with the United States before the deadline for the offer expires on March 31, 2023. The “Stop F-35” initiative does not has no postponement effect, recalled Mr. Salzmann.

If the deadline is exceeded, Switzerland will have to request a new offer and this will cost more, underlined Ms. Amherd. In addition, Switzerland will lose its production slots and will have to wait several more years before having its planes since other countries have already ordered the jet.

Daniel Jostisch (PS/ZH) for his part recalled that the Federal Council itself had indicated in its message on the army that it would wait for a possible vote on the initiative before signing the contracts with the United States.

Patriot System

Five fire units from the Patriot air-ground defense system complete the aerial system. The cost amounts to 1.987 billion francs. A budget of 66 million is needed for three new training buildings and for the storage infrastructure. The senators unanimously said yes.

There too, the American system was preferred to the other candidates. It is effective over very long distances. Its long-range sensors also improve the picture of the aerial situation. In addition, this system generates lower costs throughout its useful life.

The Patriot system makes it possible to cover large regions from a few positions. It will also lighten the task of combat aircraft.

Tiger

By 24 votes against 18, the senators fought for the maintenance of the 25 F-5 Tigers. “It’s not just any plane,” said Alex Kuprecht (UDC / SZ). “It is the aircraft of the Swiss Patrouille and thus a figurehead for the entire army.”

For Mathias Zopfi (Vert-es / GL), this aircraft of nostalgia is no longer able to ensure the protection of the population, an argument put forward by the right to acquire the F-35A. In addition, the resources freed up by the decommissioning of the Tigers could benefit other areas. “We can find better alternatives for the Patrouille Suisse.”

“Is a postcard worth 20 million francs?” launched Philippe Bauer (PLR / NE). “I prefer to use these millions to buy equipment and ammunition.”

The Tigers can only be used for training or, in good weather, for air policing, Ms. Amherd argued.

Revised calendar

Due to the war in Ukraine and the change in the security situation, the debate in the Council of States was brought forward. The National will take up the case in the fall. And any discrepancies will also be dealt with during the September session. This new calendar makes it possible to respect the deadline for offers, which expires on March 31, 2023.

ATS

Posted today at 2:30 p.m.

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