Switzerland Air Police operating
The army is now operating the air police service around the clock
Switzerland is expanding its air police service. From December 31st, two combat aircraft will guard Swiss airspace 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Cost point: 30 million francs per year.
That's what
it's about
Switzerland
will have a 24/7 air police service from the end of the year.
Capacities
have been continuously expanded since 2016.
The
additional costs per year amount to 30 million francs.
The Swiss
Army has implemented its Air Police Service 24 (LP24) project “successfully and
on time”, according to a media release. From December 31st, two armed fighter
planes will be ready for action at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
LP24 goes
back to a motion by former Councilor of States Hans Hess (FDP) and was
implemented in four steps. In 2016, the jets were ready for 50 weeks from 8
a.m. to 6 p.m. In 2017, the presence was expanded to 365 days. Since 2019, the
operating time has been extended to 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. The last step will follow
at the end of 2020 with 24-hour operation.
Over 300
missions in 2020
The two
armed F / A-18s are used for “Hot Missions” and “Live Missions”. Hot missions
take place, for example, when aircraft violate Switzerland's air sovereignty.
"Live Missions" are random checks of foreign state aircraft. In 2020,
15 “Hot Missions” and 290 “Live Missions” took place.
The expansion to 24-hour operation costs an additional 30 million francs per year. Around 100 new jobs will be created in the Air Force, Logistics and Command Support.
Source: 20min ch
