Swiss Air Force Extends Life of F/A-18 Fighter Jets.
The Swiss Air Force has successfully completed a major inspection and refurbishment program for its fleet of F/A-18C/D fighter jets, extending their operational life until the next generation of aircraft enters service.
According to the Federal Armaments Office (Armasuisse), structural inspections and refurbishment work on all 30 F/A-18 fighter jets were completed at the end of April 2026. The upgrades will allow the aircraft to continue operating safely and effectively for several more years.
The extension is designed to bridge the gap until Switzerland’s new F-35A fighter jets are fully introduced into service during the early 2030s. Regular maintenance and periodic inspections will continue to ensure the aircraft remain mission-ready.
The Swiss Parliament approved CHF450 million for the life-extension project as part of the 2017 Armed Forces program. The initiative was carried out through cooperation between Armasuisse, the Swiss Air Force, Ruag, and several industry partners.
The modernization program was implemented in multiple phases. One of the most significant milestones was completed in 2021 with the installation of advanced communication, navigation, and identification systems, improving the aircraft’s operational capabilities.
Originally, the F/A-18 fleet was expected to be retired by 2025. However, delays in the transition to the new F-35A fleet made the extension necessary to maintain Switzerland’s air defense capabilities.
The project ensures that Switzerland can continue to protect its airspace while preparing for the arrival of its future generation of fighter aircraft. The successful completion of the maintenance program represents an important step in maintaining national security and operational readiness during the transition period.
With the upgraded F/A-18 fleet remaining active, the Swiss Air Force will continue to play a vital role in air policing, national defense, and security operations until the F-35A aircraft become fully operational.