Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. traveled to Switzerland March 12-15. The scheduled visit highlighted the U.S. Air Force's commitment to the U.S.-Switzerland bilateral defense partnership and regional security in Europe.
During his visit, Brown met with the Head of Security Policy, Department for Defence, Civil Protection and Sport Amb. Pälvi Pulli; Swiss Chief of Defense Lt. Gen. Thomas Süssli; Swiss Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Peter Merz; and other Swiss senior officials.
Brown affirmed the importance of ongoing bilateral cooperation and thanked Switzerland for its unique and valuable contributions to international security.
"Recent events in Europe underscore the importance of working together to strengthen our strategic partnerships in order to meet our shared security requirements," Brown said. "We cannot wait for crises; we must consistently meet, train, exercise and share information with our partners. Only then can we be prepared to deter, and if circumstances demand, defend against aggression."
The leaders discussed Switzerland's Air2030 modernization program, which includes the purchase of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and Patriot systems, and the opportunity it presents to continue advancing U.S.-Swiss defense cooperation.
Brown welcomed Switzerland's decision to procure the F-35, and remarked on how the platform is a cornerstone of U.S. and European fighter fleets of the future.
"The U.S. Air Force is fully committed to this platform and its unmatched capabilities. It is a multi-service, multi-national program that provides international partners unprecedented access to military capability and dramatically increases cooperation opportunities."
