Payerne: agreement between the DDPS and neighboring municipalities on the F-35A

(Keystone-ATS) An agreement has been reached between the Federal Department of Defence (DDPS) and the municipalities neighbouring the Payerne airbase (VD) on the noise pollution of the F-35A and on the economic development of the airfield. The region has lifted its preventive opposition.

According to the agreement, noise exposure calculations will be based on 4,200 takeoffs and landings, or about half of current aircraft movements, the DDPS said in a statement on Wednesday. In addition, no training flights with F-35As will take place on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons.

The municipalities and associations concerned have withdrawn their preventive opposition, which paves the way for the construction of an F-35A training center for pilots and ground crew. It should provide around forty additional jobs in Payerne.

The agreement follows an exchange at the beginning of September between Viola Amherd, head of the DDPS and president of the Confederation, the associations involved and the municipalities of the region.