Extend the life of F/A-18 until 2035 would cost 1.75 billion

Viola Ahmerd. put smiles in front of F/A-18. Furthermore, Keystone

Then the F-35 file flows a lot of ink. Nevertheless, the question of extending the lifespan of the F/A-18 has been raised. Similarly, An option rejected.

Extend the lifespan of F/A-18 combat aircraft extend life f/a-18 until 2035 new until 2035 would cost 1.75 billion francs in Switzerlandindicates Friday the Federal Department of extend life f/a-18 until 2035 Defense (DDPS). In addition, This option was examined, but deemed disproportionate.

Investments would be necessary in the fields of structure, engine, subsystems and planeic. In addition. without replacing radars. sensors and without the equipment of a more efficient computer and other modernizations, the F/A-18 would no longer be up to possible opposing combat aircraft.

The DDPS also recalls that countries which still exploit F/A-18 versions A to withdraw them by 2030. Switzerland would therefore be the last country to maintain them. The manufacturer should ensure the entire maintenance for Switzerland only.

This should assume all development risks alone. all the management of spare parts and all the necessary developments as well as extensions of the duration extend life f/a-18 until 2035 new of use. This would imply high financial, technical and military risks.

Extended until 2030 – Extend life f/a-18 until 2035 new

In 2017, Parliament approved an extension of the duration of use of F/A-18 until 2030. And 450 million francs were initiated for measures to increase life lifespan from 5000 to 6000 hours of flight per plane.

But these planes must be replaced. The Federal Council chose the F-35 of the American producer Lockheed Martin. The Swiss government said these planes would be bought at a fixed price. However, the United States refutes this point of view. According to them, there has never been a question of fixed purchase price.

Despite an additional cost of up to 1.3 billion francs, the Federal Council maintains the purchase extend life f/a-18 until 2035 new of the F-35. (ATS/SVP)

Bern assures that the purchase of the F-35 is essential. However, doubts go up. According extend life f/a-18 until 2035 new to several sources. the air force chief Peter Merz has admitted during a meeting that there are many other options.

Despite an additional cost of up to 1.3 billion francs, the Federal Council remains on extend life f/a-18 until 2035 its line: Switzerland will buy the F-35. The Minister of Defense, Martin Pfister, judges this “essential” purchase. According to its department. without this plane. the Swiss airspace will no longer be protected from 2032, the date on which the current F/A-18 fleet has reached its limit of use.