The last "Wiederholungskurs" of the Mirage IIIS

During the last repetition course of the Mirage IIIS a celebration was held to commemorate the years of service and the decommission of the Mirage IIIS. 

The highlights of the show were a mass take of 14 Mirage's and the demo of the Golden Mirage IIIS giving a presentation of  power. With the nice autumn colours on the mountain and some good flying it was a fitting tribute to the Mirage IIIS in Switzerland.

The Mirage III was selected after the cancellation of the order for the Swiss Development P-16 fighter aircraft. This was done under the new strategic concept witch called for a new combat aircraft with greater range and capabilities to strike far out of the boarders of Switzerland . The evaluation began in 1957. British, Swedish, Italian, American and French models were tested, and in November 1960 was the selection narrowed down to the Swedish Saab J-35 Draken and the French Dassault Mirage III. Off witch the Mirage III was selected and a order for 100 Mirage IIIs placed. Due to the Mirage affair the order was reduced 100 to 57 aircraft.

The first squadron fitted with the Mirage was 17th squadron in 1966 and quickly followed by the 16th Squadron. In 1969 the delivery of the Mirage IIIS was completed. Delivery of the Mirage IIIRS to reconnaissance squadron 10, who operated them since January 1, 1969 from Buochs. Was completed in 1970, with all 57 aircraft delivered. In later years two replacement Mirage IIIB where aqueried.

 

The Swiss Mirages were continuously improved and adapted to the latest technical standards. Thus, the Mirages were given during their term of service improved avionics and modern equipment such as electronic warfare radar warning receiver and chaff launchers to defend against enemy missiles. In addition, they were structurally reinforced to increase their lifespan.

The Mirage IIIRS were also equipped with new Swedish Vinten-Infrarotabtaster, which could be carried as a reconnaissance pod under the fuselage. In 1985 the Mirage IIIS fleet, nearing 20 years of operational service, resaved a major upgrade program to improve the capabilities of the aircraft. The Mirages were retro-fitted with canards manufactured by Israeli Aircraft Industries on the air intakes to improve manoeuvrability and stability at landing speeds, new avionics and countermeasures, and redesigned the Mirage IIIS C.70.

The end began with the delivery of  F/A-18 Hornet to the Swiss Air Force. The days were counted for the Mirage III fighters, and the last remaining 29 Mirage IIIs were officially decommissioned on 22 October 1999 with the "Mirage'99" celebration at Buochs during its last repetition course.