Switzerland Extends Life of F/A-18 Jets Till F-35s Arrival in 2030s

The Swiss Air Force has completed the life extension work of  its F/A-18C/D aircraft up until the introduction of the new F-35A jets by the early 2030s.

The F/A-18C/D combat aircraft of the Swiss Air Force have been in service since 1997. The Federal Office for Defence Procurement Armasuisse was tasked with implementing the project “Extension of the useful life of the F/A-18 combat aircraft” with an amount of CHF 450 million.

The introduction of modernised systems for communication, navigation and identification as well as the modification of aircraft software, mission planning systems and flight simulators were already completed a few years ago.

At the end of April 2026, a further important milestone was reached with the completion of the sub-project for checking and renovating the aircraft structure. All these measures ensure continued operational readiness of all 30 Swiss F/A-18C/D up to 6,000 flying hours per aircraft.

Remaining work until project completion

Some logistics deliveries are currently outstanding in the project for the useful life extension of the F/A-18C/D. In particular, these concern replacement materiel as well as support services for ensuring operation over the remaining useful life. The outstanding deliveries and the project completion as part of the approved commitment appropriation will take place according to current planning by the end of 2027.

With the useful life extension, the F/A-18C/D fleet can be deployed into the early 2030s and thus until implementation of the new F-35A combat aircraft to protect and defend Swiss air space.

First Swiss F-35 jet reaches assembly stage

Main assembly of the first F-35A aircraft destined for Switzerland has begun in the USA. The Swiss F-35 programme is thus reaching a further important milestone on the way to delivery of the first aircraft from mid-2027.