🇨🇭 Emmen Air Base

Emmen Air Base (LSME (EML)) is a military airfield located in Emmen, Switzerland, north of Lucerne. It is primarily operated by the Swiss Air Force.

Type of Facility and Operations: Emmen Air Base serves as a crucial training and alternate airfield for the Swiss Air Force, accommodating jet, propeller aircraft, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Its operations include air defense, training missions, and national security efforts. The base hosts the Patrouille Suisse aerobatic team, a drone command utilizing the ADS 15 reconnaissance UAV system, and the Air Force Pilot School Command, which uses PC-21 and PC-7 trainer aircraft. Jet flight squadrons also conduct training and operational flights with F-5 TIGER and F/A-18 HORNET aircraft. Additionally, the base supports transport squadrons and charter flights for Kosovo Force (KFOR) troops of Swisscoy. Air traffic control at Emmen is managed by Skyguide. In addition to its military functions, the airfield permits limited civilian use, primarily by RUAG Aviation for test flights and the transport of rocket payload fairings.

Notable Features and History: Established in the early 20th century, Emmen Air Base saw its first landing on July 7, 1939. It played a significant role in Swiss aviation history as the site where the first jet fighter built in Switzerland, the N-20.2 Arbalète, took off. Over the years, its runway has undergone several extensions, reaching a length of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) by 1957. The airfield is equipped with retractable arresting gear devices for aircraft like the F/A-18C Hornet and F-5E Tiger. Emmen is also recognized as a popular location for aircraft spotting due to its diverse range of aircraft and scenic surroundings.

Current Status: Emmen Air Base continues to be a vital training and alternate airfield for the Swiss Air Force. It remains the home base for the Patrouille Suisse, drone operations, and pilot training. The base maintains its capacity to host various jet squadrons for training and operational flights. There is also a planned deployment of the F-35 A in the future. Limited civil aviation operations, primarily for RUAG Aviation, are still ongoing. Flight times are regulated, with regular operational breaks during the summer, to mitigate noise for the local population.