Air Force reduces display teams

In order to make its contribution to the cost-saving measures, the Air Force will reduce the deployment of its demonstration elements. This mainly relates to the suspension of the F/A-18 Swiss Hornet Solo Display Team and the discontinuation of the Swiss Para Wings as of January 1, 2025. According to the DDPS, these measures also serve the goal of focusing resources on the introduction of the new fighter aircraft.

For decades, the Swiss Air Force has been taking part in around 50 events and demonstrations at home and abroad throughout the year with its five demonstration teams. In connection with the implementation of cost-cutting measures and the focus on strengthening defense capabilities, the Air Force will have to adjust its portfolio of demonstration teams from 2025.

 

• The F/A-18 Swiss Hornet Solo Display will be suspended as of January 1, 2025. This is so that the heavily loaded F/A-18 fleet can be consistently deployed for missions and pilot training;
• The Swiss Para Wings will be discontinued as of January 1, 2025. Instead, the Parachute Reconnaissance Company will perform 17 tactical parachute jumps on selected occasions;
• In its program, the Super Puma Display Team is increasingly focusing on demonstrating its capabilities in tactical air transport;
• The PC-21 Solo Display will now be included as a demonstration element and used at selected events. The aim is to demonstrate the modern, future-oriented training of Swiss military pilots on the PC-21;
• Patrouille Suisse will continue to fly the F-5 Tiger until 2027;
• The PC-7 TEAM remains unchanged.