Informations

A key issue for autumn 2020: Switzerland will decide on the future of its air force. The Group for a Switzerland without an Army (GSoA), led by the SDPS and the Green Party of Switzerland, has launched a referendum against acquiring new combat aircraft. Their objective: to prevent the army from fulfilling its constitutional mandate. However, a wide-ranging Security Alliance is opposed to these salami tactics. This alliance, led by the Association pour une Suisse sûre [Association for a Safe Switzerland], is composed of representatives from various political parties, civil society, and economic, military and aviation organisations.

A vital air fleet
The air force provides aerial protection for our country and gives the military its backbone. Even during peacetime, the air force is essential for providing air police services and ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure. However, it will soon face the fact that its combat aircraft currently in service are nearing the end of their operating life. While the F/A-18 fleet will reach its operational limit in 2030, the F-5 Tiger fleet, purchased in 1976, may no longer be used except for training purposes. In the event of a crisis, these planes would have no prospect of success against a modern fleet. There is no doubt whatsoever that these resources must be renewed – otherwise, Switzerland will find itself without protection.

Acquiring new planes means securing national defence
The referendum on acquiring new combat aircraft does not relate to the air force alone. The GSoA’s goal is to abolish the army. Without an air force, the army cannot fulfil the defence mandate conferred upon it by the Constitution – which would render the army obsolete. Saying ‘no’ to new combat aircraft is tantamount to saying ‘no’ to the air force and to the army, as well. It is all the more paradoxical that these anti-militarists, in order to deflect attention from their true objective, are in favour of purchasing light trainer aircraft as an alternative to the fighter planes, or demand a ‘better’ use of federal funds. Although its growth has been below average for years (1.4% per year) when compared to the federal budget, only the army budget is affected by purchasing new combat aircraft.

Founding the Security Alliance
A Security Alliance will stand against the GSoA throughout this voting campaign. Led by the Association pour une Suisse sûre [Association for a Safe Switzerland], chaired by Councillor of States Thierry Burkart, the Security Alliance is composed of representatives from various political parties, civil society, and economic, military and aviation organisations.
For further information about the committee, please visit www.securite-oui.ch.