Swiss perspectives in 10 languages

Swiss air force jets operational for WEF meeting

Technician during maintenance work on fighter jet
The overhaul of the entire F/A-18 fleet began last October. © Keystone/Peter Klaunzer

The defence ministry says an inspection of the fleet of F/A-18 fighter jets has been completed and the air force is ready to defend Swiss air space during the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.

All the 30 F/A-18 C/D Hornet jets have been checked for cracks in the landing flaps of the aircraft following the discovery of fissures in October during regular maintenance work.

Experts have found cracks in about two out of three flaps checked, according to a spokesman of armasuisseExternal link, the Federal Office for Defence Procurement.

He said the repairs had been carried but work would continue for an unspecified period.

The Swiss air force operates 30 F/A-18 Hornet jets, as well as 26 F-5E Tiger aircraft and transport helicopters, but the authorities say the fleet is ageing rapidly.

The armed forces have announced they will support the civilian authorities to carry out security talks with a maximum of 5,000 soldiers.

The prestigious annual WEF meetingExternal link in the Swiss alpine resort of Davos takes place between January 21-24 this year. It brings together leaders form the business community, the world of politics and culture.

More

More

How the Swiss Air Force struggled to grow wings

This content was published on As the cabinet is about to present the latest next draft armament programme – including a SFr3.1 billion ($3.3 billion) for the purchase of 22 Swedish Gripen fighters to be discussed by parliament over the next year – the defence ministry has come in for plenty of flak. Not only pacifist groups and leftwing political…

Read more: How the Swiss Air Force struggled to grow wings

Most Read
Swiss Abroad

Most Discussed

News

Swiss army seeks to buy German howitzers

More

Swiss army plans to buy German howitzers

This content was published on The Swiss army wants to purchase new German armoured howitzers to replace its existing artillery system which has been in operation for over 50 years.

Read more: Swiss army plans to buy German howitzers
US opinion polls show Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump virtually even ahead of the November 5 election.

More

Poll suggests Donald Trump has many fans in Switzerland

This content was published on Around a quarter of Swiss citizens would vote for Donald Trump if they had the chance, according to a recent poll. This percentage is higher than in many other European countries.

Read more: Poll suggests Donald Trump has many fans in Switzerland

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR