Defense Christian Oppliger becomes the new commander of the Swiss Air Force

Divisional Commander Christian Oppliger has been appointed by the Federal Council as the new commander of the Swiss Air Force as of October 1. Oppliger thus succeeds Peter Merz, who has resigned and will become the new CEO of Skyguide at the beginning of November.

Keystone-SDA

09.04.2025, 12:38

SDA

The 52-year-old Oppliger joined the professional flying corps as a military pilot in 1993, as the Federal Council announced on Wednesday. As a squadron pilot and instructor, he was also active in various project groups.

In summer 2021, Oppliger took on the role of chief of operations for the introduction of the US F-35 fighter jet purchased by Switzerland. At the beginning of January 2024, Oppliger was appointed deputy commander of the Air Force.