Switzerland said it will reconsider extending the service life of its existing
combat aircraft after a proposed CHF6 bln (about $7.6 bln) purchase of new jets
from the United States stalled over price. Parliamentarians proposed keeping F-5
Tiger and F/A-18 jets in service into the 2030s to avoid a "serious weakening"
of operational fighter capability amid F-35 delivery delays. The Federal Office
for Defence Procurement said work to ensure the F/A-18 fleet can operate into
the early 2030s has been completed. Defence Minister Martin Pfister opposes the
extension, saying it would cost millions of francs and is neither in
Switzerland’s security interest nor fiscally responsible.
