Between fears of noise pollution and economic benefits, the inhabitants await army guarantees concerning the arrival of the F-35 é Meiringen (BE)Image: ANP MAG
The new F-35 fighter plane announced at the military aerodrome in the commune of Meiringen in the Bernese Oberland is not just happy. Between fears of noise pollution and economic benefits, the inhabitants expect army guarantees, according to RTS.
15.04.2025, 15:0315.04.2025, 15:03
“We feel the vibration in the body, really very good. It’s frightening, ”explains Peter Michel to RTS. The president of the IGF association, which militates for less noise of plane in the Alpine region, issues some doubts about the speech of the authorities.
“In the United States, they have measured about ten, twelve or fifteen more decibels. Not here. The Swiss army says that these are three decibels. So we’ll see what is true. “
Peter Michel, president of IGF rts
Peter Michel and the team of activists have installed noise measurement devices near the Meiringen aerodrome track. And as if to support his words, another activist returning from a trip to Norway explains that he saw F-35 take off and that the noise “scared him”.
“And it was without postcombustion!” So here, with cliffs of 1000 or 1200 meters, it may resonate much stronger ”
An activist
70,000 francs in figures to plug him
Faced with the fears of noise pollution, another association defends the air base and its economic benefits. Ulrich Kohler President of Pro Flugplatz and Military police, explains:
“With the F-35, takeoffs will be reduced by 50%. It will be more pleasant to live here for local residents and for the whole valley ”
Ulrich kohler president the per flug platzrts
Ulrich Kohler highlights the positive economic repercussions brought by the air base in the region. Indeed, more than 200 employees and up to 1,000 soldiers go there during rehearsal lessons.
“In three weeks, it represents a million francs of added value. The local butcher is 70,000 francs in figures. Other regions have no more butchery, here, there are two. ”
Ulrich kohler president the per flug platzrts
Doubt municipalities
Local authorities also emit doubts about the noise pollution caused by the F-35. Daniel Studer, President of the Municipality of Meirigen explains that there is a lack of data on the real noise of new planes.
“In the current state, we are presented with noise models based on measures made to Payerne. But here, the topography is completely different ”
Daniel Studer, president of the town of Meirigenrts
Daniel Studer explains the prudence of his approach to the Department of Defense by “promises that have not been held”
“Today, a new plane is coming and should we trust?” It is not so simple in terms of the past. Today we need measures capable of creating confidence ”
Daniel Studer, president of the town of Meirigen
The Department of Defense still has bread in the place to convince the inhabitants of the surrounding municipalities. The army that planned to park its F-35 in Meiringen in 2030.
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