Patrouille Suisse

Patrouille Suisse is the Swiss Air Force’s national aerobatic team, founded in 1964. Now based at Emmen Air Base, they fly a six-ship routine that showcases hallmark Swiss precision, discipline and tight formation flying.

The team performs with six Northrop F-5E Tiger II jets in vivid red-and-white Swiss colours, often pairing with the PC-7 Team for joint flypasts. Commentary and support are provided by a dedicated ground crew, including a PC-6 Turbo Porter liaison aircraft nicknamed “Felix.”

Displays typically run about 18 minutes and feature formation loops and rolls, mirror and opposition passes, and a dynamic solo sequence that keeps energy high across compact European showlines.

Role & origin. The F-5E Tiger II is a compact, agile supersonic fighter developed by Northrop as an evolution of the Freedom Fighter. Switzerland has operated the F-5E/F since 1978 for air defence and training.

Layout & powerplant. Twin GE J85 afterburning turbojets in a light airframe give crisp throttle response and excellent visibility—ideal for close formation and opposition manoeuvres.

In team service. Patrouille Suisse displayed on the Hawker Hunter until 1994, then transitioned to the F-5E in 1995. The team’s livery draws the Swiss cross across wings and fuselage for high crowd contrast.

1964: Team founded (on Hawker Hunter Mk.58) for Expo64 and national displays; first full season followed in 1965.

1978: First authorised foreign display—a milestone after early neutrality restrictions—at Patrouille de France’s 25th anniversary.

1991: Debut of a dedicated red-and-white livery marking the 700th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation.

1994–1995: Move to Emmen AB and transition to F-5E Tiger II.

2014: AIR14 Payerne—team’s 50th and Swiss Air Force’s 100th—featured joint displays with the PC-7 Team.

Today: Patrouille Suisse remains a six-ship ambassadorial team, continuing the F-5E era while supporting Swiss Air Force outreach at major European events.

• The team’s classic sequence lasts about 18 minutes, optimized for European airfields.
• They often fly joint formations with the PC-7 Team and Swiss solo demo elements.
• A PC-6 Turbo Porter “Felix” supports logistics and display supervision.
• Patrouille Suisse introduced a special national-livery scheme in 1991 for Switzerland’s 700th anniversary.
• They flew the Hawker Hunter through 1994, then converted to the F-5E in 1995.