2022 Axalp Airshow

The Axalp Fliegerschiessen Airshow is set in the Swiss Alps. It is basically an air show where F/A-18 Hornets of the Swiss Air Force fly live firing exercises. I saw quite some photos from the show the last few years. I thought it would be a good idea to attend the show.

But… What was I thinking? I must have been nuts when I came up with that idea! The climb to the top of the mountain is hard. Still recovering from a virus infection, my best buddy and I did not make it to the top. But we made it up high enough to shoot some good pics.

There was a special guest at this year’s airshow. The Italian Air Force sent 2 of their F-35’s for a short demo. They came in on the wings of a 4-ship of Swiss Hornets. All excited, I exclaimed: “Are those F-35’s? Yes, they are!” But the real exciting part was to get buzzed by one of the F-35’s. I was lucky to capture it with afterburners as it came through the valley at high speed.

An airshow in Switzerland would be complete without a demo of Patrouille Suisse of course. I’ve seen their show so many time at one of the Sanicole airshows over the years. Seeing them perform their show against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps is quite special.