This is a subscription only section
Want to read more? It's only €10/year.
  | This forum is the successor of the former Dutch-copters mailgroup. It is run jointly by Dutch-copters and Scramble. |
/reeve.gif)
http://www.opex360.com/2021/12/29/la-su ... ort-lourd/According to information published by the Radio Télévision Suisse on December 29, 2021,
the Swiss Air Force may replace its Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma helicopters with Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters.
...English machine-translation ofSwitzerland talks about replacing part of its Cougar and Super Puma with heavy lift helicopters
BY LAURENT LAGNEAU DECEMBER 29, 2021
Since the 1980s, the Swiss Air Force has operated 15 Super Puma maneuver helicopters,
which were joined in 2002 by 12 Cougars.
However, according to a document from the Federal Department of Defense [DDPS],
these devices - which provide transport and rescue missions - will have to be replaced by 2029/30.
Hence a reflection currently underway to determine the modalities for the renewal of these two fleets.
If the purchase of new combat aircraft - in this case 36 F-35A - gives rise to a lively debate,
the same may apply for the replacement of these helicopters…
With the difference that the opponents of this project are not exactly the same ...
Indeed, according to the Swiss Radio Television [RTS],
the DDPS plans to acquire about fifteen aircraft of the same category as the Super Puma and the Cougar ...
as well as some heavy transport helicopters [HTL], such as the CH- 47 Boeing Chinook and Sikorsky CH-53 Super Stallion.
The unit cost of such devices would be of the order of 100 million Swiss francs [approximately 96 million euros].
For the Swiss Air Force,
these heavy transport helicopters would be used in particular in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
And it is for this reason that, on the Swiss political scene, the left is a priori favorable to it.
In any case, the Socialist deputy Pierre-Alain Fridez told the RTS, such a purchase would be justified.
“Having Chinook-type helicopters is interesting for transporting large quantities of equipment and troops […].
So, that makes perfect sense, outside our country, to be more effective, ”he said,
before recalling that one of the“ constitutional ”objectives of the Swiss army is to“ promote peace. ".
However, opinions are more circumspect among elected representatives of the Swiss right.
Member of the Liberal-Radical Party and of the Council of States [upper house of the Swiss Parliament, editor's note],
Olivier Français thus estimated that aircraft of the Super Puma category are "clearly sufficient for the missions"
currently provided by the Swiss Air Force .
However, the occasional rental of heavy transport helicopters could be considered, he said.
Anyway, the debate is still far from being settled, the decision on a possible purchase of such helicopters not to be taken before 2024.
Amended december 29, 2021 at 1:23 pm
The Swiss army is also working on the renewal of its helicopters
While the debates surrounding the purchase of new combat aircraft are not yet over in Switzerland,
the army is also considering renewing part of its helicopter fleet.
Several purchase options are being studied, including the acquisition of heavy transport equipment.
Some army helicopters, including Super Puma and Cougar, reach the end of their race.
According to a recent document from the Federal Department of Defense ,
a total of 24 so-called "medium transport" devices must be replaced by 2029-2030.
They are intended for troop movement and rescue, so the army will obviously have to buy some back.
Acquire larger aircraft
One of the avenues envisaged would be to take back about fifteen aircraft of this type
and to add a few so-called "heavy transport" helicopters.
These are large aircraft, like the Chinooks or the Super Stalion of the American army.
These devices make it possible to transport dozens of soldiers,
quickly evacuate a large number of wounded or move a great deal of material.
The cost of this type of helicopter, according to estimates by the Federal Department of Defense (DDPS),
is 100 million francs per unit.
Useful for UN missions
Switzerland would need it mainly to meet a recurring demand from the UN.
In the context of military peacekeeping operations, in which Switzerland participates like many other states,
these large aircraft are essential.
Switzerland already provides two Super Pumas in Kosovo,
but they cannot fly in certain hot weather conditions.
They must also be equipped with protection systems to cross firing zones.
These are all elements that larger capacity helicopters can face.
A possible acquisition of such devices could be proposed in one of the next weapons programs, perhaps already that of 2024.
As a member you get access to all our
premium content and benefits learn more
