Summary

The Swiss Department of Defense (VBS) received a total of 1,710 submissions during the public consultation period (May 18 – June 17, 2026) regarding planned F-35A deployments at the military airfields in Emmen, Meiringen, and Payerne. The submissions focus on noise calculations, sound protection measures, and compensation. Approximately 1,000 submissions explicitly support the Meiringen location. Affected municipalities can submit statements until the end of September; cantons follow by the end of October. The VBS is currently reviewing the submissions and deciding on next steps.

Persons

  • Department of Defense (VBS) (responsible authority)

Topics

  • F-35A procurement
  • Swiss military airfields
  • Noise protection and environmental compatibility
  • Participation procedures

Clarus Lead

The participation procedure reveals a divided public stance: while Meiringen mobilizes massive support (1,000+ identically worded endorsement submissions), critical submissions primarily target noise pollution and the scope of compensation. The delay in the planned hearing comparison with the Italian Air Force (originally scheduled for April 2026) prolongs uncertainty for residents and potentially delays the VBS's decision-making. The resending of expropriation notices to property owners with incorrect addresses by the end of August signals administrative complexity and potential timeline extensions in the procedure.

Detailed Summary

The public consultation period for amendments to the Military Sector Plan generated a substantively differentiated submission balance: Emmen received approximately 370 submissions (including one collective objection for ~270 persons), Meiringen approximately 1,170 submissions (two collective objections for ~440 persons plus ~1,000 predominantly identically worded endorsement submissions), Payerne approximately 170 submissions. Several affected municipalities – including Emmen, Brienz, Brienzwiler, Meiringen, Schwanden b. Brienz (Meiringen site) and Cugy, Estavayer, Grandcour, les Montets, Payerne – filed objections.

Substantively, the submissions concentrate on four core areas: (1) Noise protection regulations and their appropriateness, (2) Measurements and noise calculations by the Federal Materials Testing and Research Institute (Empa), (3) Prerequisites and scope of requested exemptions, (4) Sound protection measures (particularly sound-insulated windows) and compensation for loss of neighboring property rights.

The procedure is subject to a staggered comment period: municipalities by the end of September, cantons by the end of October. In parallel, expropriation notices are being resent to parcel owners with incorrect addresses; they have 30 days from delivery to submit statements. The documents remain accessible in affected municipalities until the end of August and on the VBS website. The hearing comparison between F/A-18 and F-35A with the Italian Air Force originally planned for April remains pending; the VBS intends to grant the Meiringen population an additional participation period for the Military Sector Plan following this comparison.

Key Statements

  • 1,710 submissions demonstrate high participation; Meiringen dominates with ~1,170 submissions, including ~1,000 endorsement submissions.
  • Critical submissions focus on noise calculations, sound protection, and compensation scope – central points of conflict between the population and the defense project.
  • Delayed hearing comparison (planned April 2026, date pending) and resending of expropriation notices indicate administrative complexity and possible timeline extensions.

Critical Questions

  1. Data Quality of Noise Calculations: On what specific measurement data and modeling assumptions are the Empa calculations based, and were alternative calculation methods evaluated?

  2. Representativeness of Submissions: Are the ~1,000 identically worded endorsement submissions for Meiringen an expression of organic support or the result of targeted mobilization by interest groups?

  3. Compensation Criteria: By what criteria are compensations for loss of neighboring property rights determined, and do these criteria comply with international standards (e.g., EU Aircraft Noise Directive)?

  4. Hearing Comparison Delay: What factors are causing the delay in conducting the hearing comparison, and how does this delay affect the credibility of the participation procedure?

  5. Address Errors in Expropriation Notices: How many parcel owners were affected by incorrect addresses, and what control mechanisms prevent future delivery failures?

  6. Causality Noise–Health: Were epidemiological data on noise exposure and health consequences integrated into the compensation logic?

Source Directory

Primary Source: F-35A Deployment: Participation Results and Next Steps – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/CdIWY6HrRa5H

Verification Status: ✓ 23.06.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 23.06.2026