Looping, combat missions and feeling sick: the F-35 fighter during a test flight
How does it feel to fly a supercomputer? “blue News” carried out the test and, under the watchful eye of two F-35 pilots, set off into the flight simulator.
Today, the State Council is likely to approve the purchase of 36 fighters for around six billion, although voting on the initiative is still ongoing. Here are the most important facts.
The Federal Council is at a loss to purchase 36 F-35 fighter jets. On the one hand, the offer of the American manufacturer Lockheed Martin is only valid until next spring, after which the price is likely to increase.
On the other hand, it was revealed last week that the SP, the Greens and the group for Switzerland without an army had gathered around 100,000 signatures against a type-decision and that a vote would take place.
Due to deadlines, however, the vote cannot take place before spring 2023: the Federal Council therefore has to make a decision. Is he waiting for a referendum or is he taking advantage of the offer?
Today we see if the Council of State will rush to assist the Federal Council in this decision. Because in the military communiqué, which the commission is leaning on today, the Security Policy Committee wants to state unequivocally that fighters should be purchased before spring 2023.
blue News has collected the most important questions and answers.
Is the Federal Council still waiting for a vote?
It doesn’t look like it. So far, the Federal Council has intended to wait for the referendum result. However, since he now assumes that costs will increase if he allows the offer to pass, he is looking for a solution.
100,000 signatures have already been collected under the initiative against the purchase of the American F-35 fighter. (archival image)
Keystone / EPA / VASSIL DONEV
Meanwhile, Viola Amherd managed to convince the Federal Council not to wait for a referendum. So if it gets the permit, the Federal Council will probably buy the jet.
Is it undemocratic not to wait for the vote?
Basically no, as people voted to support the purchase of the fighter, which gives the Federal Council the right to purchase that fighter. Historically, however, the Federal Council has always considered whether the collection of signatures was still ongoing in such cases. Until now, important decisions whether purchases were postponed.
What do you think about buying the F-35?
Decide by voting
How will the Council of States decide?
Although the State Council has yet to rule on the military embassy, there is a good chance the purchase will be approved. Marc Bühlmann, a professor at the University of Bern and director of Année Politique Suisse, believes that the Council’s decision is based on voters’ consent to the purchase of the fighter.