In order to make its contribution to the cost-cutting measures, the Swiss Air Force is reducing its display commitments for Display Season 2025. The F/A-18 Swiss Hornet Solo Display Team will be suspended and the Swiss Para Wings will be disbanded as of January 1, 2025. These measures also serve the goal of focusing resources on the introduction of the new fighter aircraft.
Up until the end of 2024, the Swiss Air Force has been taking part in around 50 events and demonstrations at home and abroad for decades with five demonstration teams. As a result of cost-cutting measures and the focus on strengthening defence capabilities, the Swiss Air Force will adjust the portfolio of demonstration teams from 2025 onwards. Specifically, and taking into account the political processes, the adjustments relate to the following points:
- The F/A-18 Swiss Hornet Solo Display will be suspended as of January 1, 2025. This is to free up resources for operational deployments and pilot training
- The Swiss Para Wings will be disbanded with from 1 January 2025. Instead, the parachute reconnaissance company shows 17 tactical parachute jumps on selected occasions
- The Super Puma Display Team is increasingly focusing on demonstrating its tactical air transport skills in its program
- The PC-21 Solo Display is now included as a demonstration element and used at selected events. The focus is on demonstrating the modern, future-oriented training of Swiss military pilots on the PC-21
- The Patrouille Suisse is to continue flying on the F-5 Tiger until 2027
- The PC-7 TEAM remains unchanged.
In addition, the total number of demonstrations and exhibitions – both on the ground and in the air – will be halved. Overseas (ie. outside of Switzerland) will only take place in exceptional circumstances
