Chief of the Armed Forces visits US for update on the implementation of Air2030
Bern, 26.06.2023 - From 26 to 30 June, Chief of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Thomas Süssli will be in the United States on a working visit. He will visit military and industrial sites to gain an insight into the assembly, operation and training activities with regard to the PATRIOT long-range surface-to-air missile defence systems and the new F-35A fighter jet. He will also meet with representatives of the United States Armed Forces.
During his working visit, Lieutenant General Thomas Süssli will travel to Oklahoma to get a first-hand look at the PATRIOT long-range surface-to-air missile defence system and to see how operators are trained. The Chief of the Armed Forces will then travel to Texas where the F-35A aircraft is in production to gain an overview of all aspects relating to delivery. The two systems will be delivered and introduced to the armed forces in parallel over the next few years. The acquisition is part of the Air2030 programme to renew Switzerland's air defence systems. Major General Peter Merz, Commander of the Swiss Air Force will join the Chief of the Armed Forces for the working visit.
Working meetings with representatives of the US armed forces
A number of meetings are scheduled at the Pentagon, including with US Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Mark A. Milley to discuss the experiences of the US Armed Forces with the introduction of the two systems that Switzerland will acquire. The meetings will also cover the security situation in Europe and elsewhere, and future developments in the armed forces.
Discussion on military peace support with the UN Department of Peace Operations (DPO)
During a visit to the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York, the Chief of the Armed Forces will be briefed on Switzerland's activities in connection with its Security Council seat. With the Office of Military Affairs, he will discuss military peace support in the UN context.
The Chief of the Armed Forces will also gain first-hand information on UN-led peace operations. Switzerland works hand in hand with the UN, and military peace support is one of the three missions of the Swiss Armed Forces.
Address for enquiries
Delphine Schwab-Allemand
Armed Forces Spokesperson
+41 (0)58 463 22 58
Publisher
Defence
http://www.vtg.admin.ch
General Secretariat DDPS
https://www.vbs.admin.ch/
Armasuisse
http://www.ar.admin.ch/
