The aerobatic team of the Swiss Air Force, Patrouille Suisse, has been using the F-5E Tiger II since 1994. The plan was earlier this year to replace the aircraft with a new aircraft.
However, it turns out that the Swiss State Council is still asking the team to continue using the F-5E as it is in its current form until at least 2025. Currently, approximately 25 F-5E units are still used by the Swiss Air Force, including the Suisse Patrouile activities.
In a hearing with the Swiss Council of State, Swiss Defence Minister Viola Amherd said the Swiss F-5E fleet was not being used to defend the country. While the State Council assessed that the Tiger II fleet could still be used by Patrouille Suisse and was not in an urgent condition to be decommissioned.
In line with the decision of the Swiss Council of State, the Swiss people, by voting, the majority want the Tiger to still fly in the Suisse Patrouille team.
