By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies
In a significant step towards the retirement of its aging fleet, Switzerland has commenced the delivery process of 22 decommissioned F-5E/F Tiger II fighter jets to the United States.
The Swiss Federal Office for Armaments (armasuisse) initiated the transfer, with the US Marine Corps (USMC) retrieving the first aircraft on March 18, 2024, from the Emmen Air Force Station, located north of Lucerne. A Lockheed Martin KC-130J transport aircraft facilitated the transportation.
This delivery follows the finalization of a sale agreement in 2020, encompassing 16 single-seat F-5E variants and six twin-seat F-5F variants. Additionally, the deal includes ground equipment, spare parts, and logistical support for storage and preparation in Switzerland before being transported to the US. The transaction’s total value is estimated at $32.4 million.
The retirement of these F-5 Tigers marks another milestone in the Swiss Air Force’s ongoing modernization efforts. Acquired initially during the 1970s and 1980s, these fighter jets have served diligently for decades. Notably, 44 F-5s were previously sold to the US Navy in 2008 and repurposed as adversary aircraft.
Presently, Switzerland’s F-5 fleet consists of 25 aircraft, with only 18 currently operational. Armaments have clarified that these jets play crucial roles such as target display, training, towing, and test flights. Moreover, approximately half of the F-5 Tigers are utilized by the renowned Patrouille Suisse aerobatic team for captivating flight demonstrations.
The retirement of the F-5 Tigers signifies a transformation in the Swiss Air Force’s capabilities. In July 2021, the Swiss Federal Council announced its decision to acquire Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters, intending to replace the aging McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C/D Hornets and the remaining Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II aircraft, which were relegated to secondary tasks.
However, this decision sparked intense political debates within Switzerland. Opponents, including the ‘Stop F-35’ movement and the Green Party, advocated for a “popular initiative” referendum to block the acquisition, reflecting the diverse opinions surrounding the country’s defense strategy.
As Switzerland advances towards modernization, the transfer of decommissioned F-5 Tigers underscores the nation’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities and ensuring a seamless transition to next-generation fighter aircraft.