Switzerland Faces F-35 Cost Hikes, Renewing Debate over Fighter Jet Purchase
Switzerland’s acquisition of F-35 fighter jets is under renewed scrutiny as reports indicate a potential cost increase of over 1 billion francs, following a notification from Washington. This development has reignited discussions regarding the reliability of U.S. military dealings, prompting Swiss lawmakers to reconsider the deal. Switzerland opted for the F-35s over France’s Dassault Rafale in 2021, a choice that reportedly displeased French President Emmanuel Macron, reports 24brussels.
The F-35 project, estimated at 6 billion francs, narrowly passed a referendum with only 50.1 percent support, highlighting the contentious nature of this major military procurement. The lack of price guarantees under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales framework contrasts sharply with the fixed-price agreements often found in European defense contracts.
“The U.S. only guarantees that buyers like Switzerland pay the same conditions as the U.S. military,” said Balthasar Glättli, a lawmaker for the Swiss Greens. “But those prices can still rise — especially now that imported components into the U.S. are being hit with tariffs.” This statement underscores the growing apprehension regarding U.S. commitments.
Earlier this year, Switzerland’s Greens party submitted a formal motion to cancel the F-35 order, asserting that the United States has become an unreliable security partner. Glättli argued for exploring a “sovereign alternative” that aligns more closely with European allies.
The recent tariff decision further complicates the situation and has stoked skepticism about the F-35s. “The F-35 fighter jets have now become a political issue again,” commented Hans-Peter Portmann, a liberal lawmaker from the same party as President Karin Keller-Sutter.