How the Swiss Air Force struggled to grow wings

The controversy over Switzerland’s plans to purchase new fighter jets is set to drag on for some time. A look back at the country’s military history shows nearly all aircraft purchases were divisive and hotly contested.

As the cabinet is about to present the latest next draft armament programme - including a SFr3.1 billion ($3.3 billion) for the purchase of 22 Swedish Gripen fighters to be discussed by parliament over the next year - the defence ministry has come in for plenty of flak.

Not only pacifist groups and leftwing political parties - as could be expected - have been giving Defence Minister Ueli Maurer a hard time.

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