The Swiss Air Force has successfully conducted an unprecedented military exercise, codenamed 'Alpha Uno,' that involved landing and taking off four F/A-18 combat planes on a major Swiss highway. This maneuver, while relatively common within NATO, marks a significant event for Switzerland as it had not been attempted for decades in the Alpine nation. The exercise aims to ensure the Swiss Air Force can operate smoothly even if their bases are compromised during a conflict.
Colonel Rolf Imoberdorf, head of the 'Alpha Uno' exercise project, explained, 'For two years now, everyone has realized that the geopolitical situation has changed drastically. War is at the gates of Europe.' Departing from the Payerne military airfield, the first F/A-18 fighter jet executed a flawless landing at around 10 a.m. local time, followed by successful takeoffs two hours later.
The exercise attracted numerous representatives from foreign armed forces who were keen to witness the Swiss Air Force's unique capabilities. French colonel Sylvain Nogrette highlighted that the exercise showcased an unusual skill developed by the Swiss during the Cold War. Notably, the aircraft had stickers attached, a requirement for traveling on Swiss highways.
Ensuring the runway's condition was a critical part of the exercise due to the significant shock that landing a 15-tonne F/A-18 imposes. Small debris poses the risk of damaging the jet engine's turbine blades. At 25 meters wide, the four-lane A1 motorway, which was used for this exercise, is narrower than a typical airstrip and required the removal of the central safety rail for safe operations.
The Swiss government is currently in the process of modernizing its Air Force fleet. The aging F/A-18s, which participated in the 'Alpha Uno' exercise, will soon be replaced by 36 new American-made F-35 A stealth multirole fighters. This significant investment, worth approximately 6 billion Swiss francs, is set to enhance Switzerland's defensive capabilities starting from 2027 through 2030. Despite the technical issues and budget overruns experienced by the F-35 program in the United States, the Swiss government remains confident that the aircraft represents the best value and performance for their needs.
- The use of highways for military exercises ensures that the Swiss Air Force retains a high level of operational flexibility, which is crucial for national security. Such exercises allow military forces to remain prepared for various potential scenarios, ensuring readiness in the face of evolving threats.
- The decision to opt for the F-35 A has not been without controversy. Swiss parliamentary committees have scrutinized the choice, given the aircraft's history of technical challenges and budgetary concerns. However, the Swiss government's extensive evaluation found that the F-35 A offers superior capabilities at a competitive price compared to its rivals.
