“Two of Us” : The first Swiss personnel at the F‑35A liaison office in Washington
In conversation with armasuisse staff members Frédéric Pascal Bonvin and Stéphane Borloz
Summer 2024 in Washington, D.C.: Frédéric Pascal Bonvin and Stéphane Borloz are the first Swiss staff at the F-35A liaison office. In their luggage: experience, communication skills – and Gruyère. Their mission: to translate – not just words, but also procedures and expectations between Switzerland and the United States. Every day, they ensure that trainings, equipment deliveries and decisions are implemented on time. Without them, workflows would stall, payments would be delayed or security issues would be overlooked. Thanks to them, the aircraft can take off – both figuratively and literally.
Lucia Egger, Specialist area Communication, Strategic Staff
Who are you, and what led you to this exciting role at armasuisse?
Stéphane: As an engineer with a Master’s degree from HES‑SO, I spent many years working in the private sector and travelled extensively, especially in Asia and Eastern Europe. Cross‑border collaboration has always been a central part of my work. Before Washington, I spent five years at armasuisse in the F/A‑18 programme in Bern. Moving to the F‑35A project was therefore a natural next step.
Frédéric: I hold a PhD in electrical engineering from EPFL and served as a military pilot. After several years abroad, including in the United States and Singapore, I wanted to contribute my experience to Switzerland’s security and joined armasuisse. In my current role, it helps that I understand the technology of the fighter aircraft as well as the needs of the pilots.
As the first Swiss FLOs in the F‑35A Liaison Office, you face numerous challenges – what tasks do you carry out in the Liaison Office?
Frédéric: The initial challenges were organising and setting up our office, as well as establishing our daily routines. Beyond that, my work is primarily technical in nature: I understand how the jet is built and how it is kept airworthy. From the ejection seat to the engine to the software – as a pilot, I know what matters in the field. We are currently supporting the Air Force and preparing the training of around one hundred Swiss pilots and technical staff in the USA. They train on simulators and directly on the original F‑35A systems, and later pass on their knowledge as instructors in Switzerland. We help the Air Force organise courses, accommodation, travel, schedules and appointments. Without this preparation, the training could not begin. Even in emergencies or incidents, we ensure that all responsibilities and procedures are clearly defined. Without this coordination, gaps arise that can cost time or lead to wrong decisions.
Stéphane: My work involves the organisation and support surrounding the jet: finances, equipment transport and certifications. For flight training, we clarify permits, visas and procedures in advance so that training can start smoothly. We coordinate daily with agencies in Switzerland and international partners. This coordination only works thanks to personal contacts and mutual trust, as well as the relationships we build on the ground. As priorities and requirements in the international environment are constantly changing, we must demonstrate a high degree of flexibility and find solutions even under time pressure. Furthermore, Switzerland and the USA are two worlds with different “languages” – not only literally, but also in terms of organisation, needs and working methods. We clarify who makes decisions on which side and what steps are required. Otherwise, delays or false assumptions can arise.
We navigate like an aircraft through different airspaces – between cultures, processes and countries – and reliably deliver all information to its destination.
Around 20 nations and 800 staff are involved in the F‑35A programme. What challenges and opportunities does working with international partners present?
Frédéric: Every nation has its own procedures, priorities and requirements. The US is much larger than Switzerland and has several branches of the armed forces, such as the Navy, Air Force and Marines, as well as additional agencies with which we collaborate. This makes coordination more complex and more prone to misunderstandings. International developments and geopolitical shifts also have a direct impact on schedules, logistics and cooperation within the programme. We ensure that Switzerland remains informed about relevant changes or plans and can implement them correctly. For example, when software or hardware updates are planned, we clarify directly with the specialists on site what changes are involved.
Stéphane: Many procedures need to be clarified on a case‑by‑case basis – such as material transport, security checks or legal requirements. Without these agreements, processes would quickly stall. At the same time, we benefit from the exchange of experience: we learn how other countries organise their processes and which solutions have proven effective. It is fascinating that the same project is implemented differently in every country: an island nation has different logistical requirements than Switzerland, and geopolitical factors such as conflicts also influence implementation.
Why is your on‑the‑ground presence so important?
Stéphane: In the international working groups, we raise Swiss concerns directly and clarify outstanding issues with our partner countries. This allows us to coordinate procedures, transport and technical details before problems arise. Without our presence, Swiss requirements could be overlooked or misinterpreted. For example, financial procedures in Switzerland differ from those in the US. We clarify directly who is responsible for what and how processes work in both countries. Without this understanding, payments or approvals could be delayed. When it comes to transporting materials, we also know who issues which customs and security clearances and which documents are required so that parts are cleared and arrive on time.
Frédéric: A Swiss media report on the fighter jet has already prompted enquiries in Washington. We place such information within the Swiss context. We know exactly who needs which data and when, and we provide it in a targeted manner. This prevents unnecessary emails, phone calls and misinformation. For example, technical details regarding training materials, security clearances or logistics plans go directly to the right people in Switzerland – without us, decisions would be delayed or made on an incomplete basis.
To ensure that all key information reaches the right people at the right time, we manage a streamlined process – much like air traffic controllers who coordinate air traffic safely.
How do you personally find life in Washington, D.C.?
Stéphane: Work and life here are very diverse. You meet many different people, experience a variety of cultures and see how projects are implemented at an international level. This diversity makes every day interesting and enriching.
Frédéric: Washington is incredibly international and vibrant – anything but typically American. Embassies, international organisations and people from all over the world shape the city. The role itself is something special; it’s an opportunity to contribute to a programme like this. At the same time, there are numerous museums, for example in the field of aerospace. They give us new perspectives on topics that accompany us in our daily work, even outside the office.
What’s it like for you to work so far away from Switzerland – is there anything in particular you miss?
Frédéric: My family is in Switzerland, so that’s quite a challenge. We visit each other regularly, but everyday life here is, of course, very different – whether it’s the working environment or our daily routines. And as someone from Valais, I do, of course, miss a good raclette from time to time!
Stéphane: I’m here with my wife, which makes many things easier. What I can’t do without from Switzerland is Gruyère and chocolate. We share the latter with our colleagues in Washington, and it’s always a hit!