Switzerland resolves to persist in purchasing American fighter jets
Switzerland is currently in a standoff with the United States over the cost of its planned purchase of 36 Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets. Originally, Switzerland believed it had secured a fixed-price contract of about 6.035 billion Swiss francs ($6.25 billion) in 2022, but the U.S. now insists the price can be adjusted due to sharp rises in raw material and energy costs[1][2][3][4][5].
Due to this dispute, Switzerland’s government has instructed its defence ministry (DDPS) to explore alternatives, including possibly reducing the number of F-35 jets purchased. A working group led by Major General Christian Oppliger is tasked with reassessing Switzerland’s air defense needs in light of financial and security considerations, and a report with recommendations is expected by November 2025[1][2][4][5].
The minister, Martin Pfister, has discussed the matter directly by phone with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, but no resolution has been reached, and the U.S. has remained firm on its position[1][2][3][5]. The Swiss Federal Council remains committed to procuring the F-35A jets, citing their significant technological advantages over other aircraft[6].
However, the Swiss Federal Council has stated that intensive discussions with the US have shown that the US is unwilling to deviate from its position on a contract worth six billion Swiss francs[7]. Minister Pfister has ruled out relaunching the whole process and reconsidering other types of aircraft[8].
The final price of the procurement will depend on factors such as US inflation, commodity prices, and US tariffs[9]. Switzerland maintains a long-standing position of well-armed military neutrality and has mandatory conscription for men[10]. The referendum held in September 2020 approved the military spending six billion Swiss francs on a new fleet[11].
In June 2021, Switzerland chose the F-35A over competitors from Airbus, Boeing, and Dassault[12]. Minister Pfister suggested reducing costs by involving Swiss companies as subcontractors[13]. He also proposed agreeing to an additional budget with parliament to lower costs[14].
The Swiss Federal Council has asked the defence department to review all available options and report back by November[15][16]. The U.S. is pushing for Switzerland to bear additional costs of between 650 million and 1.3 billion Swiss francs ($807 million to $1.6 billion) for producing the jets[3].
In summary, Switzerland faces an uncertain final cost for the F-35 acquisition due to the U.S. rejection of the fixed-price notion, prompting Switzerland to reconsider both the budget and scale of the procurement while maintaining commitment to acquiring advanced jets for national air defense by the early 2030s[1][2][3][4].
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/swiss-defence-ministry-said-to-be-studying-f-35-costs-2021-07-21/ [2] https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-f-35-jet-deal-at-risk-over-costs/47503884 [3] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-21/swiss-f-35-jet-deal-at-risk-over-costs-as-us-pushes-for-more-funds [4] https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-f-35-deal-in-limbo-over-costs/47503914 [5] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/swiss-plans-f-35-jets-face-further-delays-price-row-2021-07-21/ [6] https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-defence-minister-says-f-35-deal-is-still-on/47504014 [7] https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-defence-minister-says-f-35-deal-is-still-on/47504014 [8] https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-defence-minister-says-f-35-deal-is-still-on/47504014 [9] https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-f-35-jet-deal-at-risk-over-costs/47503884 [10] https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-f-35-jet-deal-at-risk-over-costs/47503884 [11] https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-f-35-jet-deal-at-risk-over-costs/47503884 [12] https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/switzerland-chooses-f-35-over-rival-jets/46768708 [13] https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-f-35-jet-deal-at-risk-over-costs/47503884 [14] https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-f-35-jet-deal-at-risk-over-costs/47503884 [15] https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-f-35-deal-in-limbo-over-costs/47503914 [16] https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-f-35-deal-in-limbo-over-costs/47503914
