BERLIN – The cost of Switzerland’s acquisition of F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin has escalated beyond initial estimates, leading to a reassessment of the deal in Bern.
Despite these financial hurdles, Switzerland has reaffirmed its commitment to the F-35 acquisition, as confirmed via email by the government. “It is not a question of whether to proceed with the project but rather how to manage the escalated costs,” said defense spokesperson Kaj-Gunnar Sievert.
In 2020, a closely contested referendum supported the procurement of new fighter jets for CHF 6 billion, with 50.1% of voters endorsing the replacement of Switzerland’s older F/A-18C/D Hornets from the 1990s.
Some opposition groups and parties have demanded a new referendum to enable the public to halt the acquisition, as stated by a co-president of the Swiss social democrats.
The U.S. has imposed the highest tariffs on Switzerland in Europe, at 39%, significantly straining political relations. Swiss parties across the political spectrum have voiced strong opposition to U.S. trade policies. The Federal Council, which serves as Switzerland’s collective head of state, has expressed significant disappointment over these tariffs and criticized the punitive approach.
Meanwhile, the Swiss defense ministry has initiated an investigation through a parliamentary commission to ascertain the missteps in the F-35 procurement process. “The commission will investigate the circumstances that led to the contractual misunderstanding with the American officials,” Sievert explained.
The commission is expected to deliver its findings by November, Sievert added. Concurrently, a separate working group from the defense ministry will propose how to move forward from a military perspective.
Notably, these proposals will not suggest terminating the contract or considering alternative aircraft. “No other aircraft options are on the table,” Sievert confirmed. Nor is there a plan to restart the procurement process from the beginning.
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However, the possibility of reducing the number of aircraft purchased remains open. The working group will reevaluate the specifications for the new fighter jets, initially set in 2017, to ensure they meet Switzerland’s future air defense needs. “This will also involve reconsidering the size of the fleet,” Sievert mentioned.
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Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
