Swiss Air Force to retire flagship aerobatics team to cut costs and emissions

The Swiss Air Force's renowned Patrouille Suisse team, will stop flying F5 "Tiger" jets by 2027, following the decision by parliament to decommission these aircraft. The squadron, a symbol of 'perfection, precision and performance' will be replaced by the lesser-known PC-7 team, according to commander Nils Hämmerli. The PC-7 team uses cheaper, low-emission Pilatus PC-7 propeller-driven aircraft. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox For more than 60 years, the Patrouille Suisse has been 'the showcase of Swiss aeronautics', Hämmerli emphasised on the team's official website, and has aroused the emotions of many Swiss people. This was also experienced recently by the organisers of the Swiss Federal Wrestling and Alpine Games in Mollis, when the president of the organising committee received 70 hate mails after cancelling the traditional performance for sustainability reasons. The Swiss army is aware of the symbolic importance of the Patrouille Suisse. "Air shows ...