The fighter jet decision is still reverberating in Bundesbern. Since Defense Secretary Viola Amherd selected the US F-35 aircraft in June, the air has been tough. Every movement on the other side triggers a hectic pace. The latest example: The Dubai Airshow.
The event, which takes place every two years, is one of the world’s largest aviation trade fairs and will be held this year from November 14th to 18th. The DDPS sends three representatives to the Persian Gulf: Air Force Commander Peter Merz and Peter Winter, who is responsible for aviation systems and fighter jet procurement at Armasuisse, and an Air Force officer with the rank of Colonel on the General Staff.
Some observers under the dome of the Bundestag building and in aviation circles are puzzled: Why is the federal government sending three people to a fighter jet show when it has just decided to buy new jet fighters?
“Obtaining information and exchanging ideas”
Everything is normal, says Armasuisse on request. “Representatives of the DDPS regularly visit aviation and armaments fairs,” said spokesman Kaj-Gunnar Sievert to SonntagsBlick. «The visits serve to obtain information and to exchange ideas. Since many manufacturers are usually gathered in one place, such trade fairs allow efficient and time-saving meetings with company representatives. “
This year’s Dubai trip is less about the exchange of information about the new fighter aircraft, but rather “more information about other systems,” explains Sievert. Another important aspect is a visit to the Swiss Pavilion, where Swiss suppliers present themselves.
And the cost? According to Sievert, they are “less than 5000 Swiss Francs” per participant.