Key facts
Switzerland’s current fighter aircraft are set to be replaced, with the procurement of new F-35A aircraft. Construction work is required at the Payerne, Meiringen and Emmen military airfields for the stationing and deployment of this fleet. The Federal Assembly approved a commitment appropriation of CHF 120 million for this purpose in 2022. Construction work began in Payerne in spring 2025, with all the work scheduled for completion by 2030. It is being implemented as part of the real estate sub-project, which is embedded in the New Fighter Aircraft (NFA) project and is therefore part of the Air2030 programme.
The Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) conducted an audit at armasuisse and other project participants to determine whether the building and safety requirements had been implemented and to ascertain the project status. The SFAO was able to verify the consistent implementation of quality and safety requirements in the project planning. The Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) has already announced additional costs and is working on a supplementary credit. Meeting the deadlines is critical.