Recent surveys conducted by Tamediain in March and April show that around 81% of respondents view the purchase negatively. Among French-speaking Swiss citizens, the level of disapproval rises to 87%.
Support for the acquisition varies by political affiliation, with 44% of Swiss People’s Party (UDC) voters and 40% of Free Democratic Party (PLR) voters expressing approval. In contrast, only 15% of voters from the Green Party and the Socialist Party are in favour of the F-35A purchase.
Criticism of the deal is partly linked to concerns about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s rhetoric and the imposition of trade tariffs. Several opposition politicians have called on the Swiss government to re-evaluate the purchase, including the possibility of cancelling it in favour of a European alternative.
An alternative proposal suggests upgrading the existing F/A-18 fleet and extending their service life for 10 to 15 years. This would allow Switzerland to wait for the potential availability of a future sixth-generation European fighter aircraft.
