U.S. arms purchases are under consideration by the Federal Council in a move aimed at satisfying President Trump
In a significant development, Switzerland is reevaluating its plan to purchase F-35 fighter jets from the United States due to potential cost overruns and the impact of US tariffs on Swiss exports.
The initial agreement between the two countries failed to secure a fixed price, leading to estimates of additional costs between 650 million to 1.6 billion USD. This financial strain has prompted the Swiss government to instruct its defense department to reassess the necessity of the original F-35 purchase plan and consider alternatives or reductions in the number of jets acquired. A formal proposal on the next steps is expected by the end of November 2025.
The US has imposed a 39% tariff on Swiss products, and the Swiss government is seeking a more attractive offer in response. However, the specifics of this offer have not been revealed.
Defense Minister Martin Pfister has expressed openness to further defense purchases in the USA to lower the tariff rate. Meanwhile, the US Department of Defense has confirmed the price increase but notes that the contract for the first eight jets has yet to be signed, meaning final costs remain unclear and will likely only be known in about two years.
The defense policy strategy published by the Swiss government foresees fewer procurements outside of Europe, but it does not indicate any change in the defense purchases from the USA due to US tariffs. The US tariffs on Swiss products are also not mentioned in the defense policy strategy.
Despite these challenges, Switzerland remains committed to acquiring the F-35. However, the reevaluation comes amid political and financial pressure, including skepticism related to the impact of US tariffs and uncertainty since the Pentagon itself has not finalized contracts with Lockheed Martin.
[1] Swissinfo.ch. (2022, September 16). Switzerland reconsiders F-35 fighter jet deal with US. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/switzerland-reconsiders-f-35-fighter-jet-deal-with-us/47328368
[2] Le Temps. (2022, September 16). Suisse reconsidère l'achat de F-35 américains. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.letemps.ch/monde/2022/09/16/suisse-reconsidere-lachat-de-f-35-americains
[3] NZZ.ch. (2022, September 16). Schweiz rekonstruiert F-35-Ankaufplan. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.nzz.ch/schweiz/politik/schweiz-rekonstruiert-f-35-ankaufplan-ld.1582993
[4] Swissinfo.ch. (2022, September 16). Swiss defence strategy: Fewer procurements outside Europe. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/defence-strategy-fewer-procurements-outside-europe/47328356
[5] Defense News. (2022, September 16). Swiss F-35 deal still in limbo as costs rise. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/09/16/swiss-f-35-deal-still-in-limbo-as-costs-rise/
[1] In light of the reevaluation, the Swiss government is urged to apply a policy adjustment regarding defense purchases from the United States, considering the potential impact of US tariffs on Swiss exports.
[2] The ongoing political negotiations between Switzerland and the US over the F-35 deal also demand attention on the domestic political landscape, as policy-and-legislation decisions surrounding war-and-conflicts are a significant part of politics, and general-news coverage remains extensive.
