The Swiss Federal Office for Armaments (armasuisse) has begun delivery of 22 decommissioned F-5E/F Tiger II fighter jets to the United States. The first aircraft was picked up by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) on Mar. 18 from Emmen Air Force Station aboard a Lockheed KC-130J transport aircraft.
Photo: Armasuisse
The sale, finalized in 2020, encompasses 16 single-seat F-5E and 6 twin-seat F-5F variants, along with associated ground equipment, spare parts, and logistical support for in-country storage and preparation for transport to the U.S. The total value of the sale is estimated at $32.4 million USD.
This delivery represents the latest chapter in the retirement of Switzerland’s F-5 fleet, originally procured in the 1970s and 1980s. A significant portion of this fleet, 44 F-5s, were previously sold to the U.S. Navy in 2008. These earlier jets, originally employed by the Swiss Air Force for air defense duties, are now used by the U.S. Navy as adversary aircraft.
The remaining 25 F-5 Tigers in the Swiss inventory continue to serve in a secondary capacity. Currently, 18 are operational, providing target support, pilot training, tow services for gliders, and acting as testbeds for various purposes. The Patrouille Suisse aerobatic display team will continue to use the F-5 for flying demonstrations.
For more information, hit the Source below