Markus Gygax

Who is Markus Gygax?

Lieutenant General Markus Gygax is the current commander of the Swiss Air Force. His active career within the SAF began in 1971 when he achieved his qualification as a pilot. In 1973 he joined the surveillance wing flying the Hawker Hunter, and in 1978 underwent conversion to the F-5 at Williams AFB, Arizona.

Starting with 1985 until 1989 he was the head of the F-5 training school. In 1994 he was appointed interim commander of an aviation regiment and from 1998 through 2002 he commanded the 31st Aviation Brigade. By 2003 he became chief of air force operations and deputy commander of the air force.

He took office as overall commander of the Swiss Air Force on 1 March 2009 and has gathered more than 4,600 flying hours.