“A contract is a contract, one should think,” said National Armaments Director Urs Loher at a press briefing in Bern. “But with respect to the purchase of the F-35A, we are now facing a different reality. Despite a set price, Switzerland is confronted” with up to $1.3 billion in unexpected costs, he added.
Switzerland did not purchase the jets directly from manufacturer Lockheed Martin Corp., but through the U.S. government, which manages pricing negotiations for upcoming production batches. Defence Minister Martin Pfister confirmed that bilateral talks had begun in order to address the dispute.
The acquisition plan, approved by a narrow margin in a 2020 referendum, outlines the replacement of outdated aircraft in the Swiss Air Force for a cost of 6 billion francs ($7.5 billion). Any increase beyond this cap has already prompted public debate and raised concerns among lawmakers and opposition parties.
A report by public broadcaster SRF suggesting costs could exceed the limit by over 1 billion francs has led to renewed calls for parliamentary review or even a second public vote. Critics, particularly from left-wing groups, have also questioned the US deal due to shifting American foreign policy and have urged consideration of European alternatives.
Despite the controversy, Switzerland has reiterated its commitment to the F-35A procurement, emphasising its defence priorities. “From a military point of view, buying the F-35A is imperative,” said Loher. “Withdrawing from the contract would only be considered as a very, very last resort.”
Swiss President and Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter clarified that the disagreement over the aircraft price was separate from ongoing trade discussions with the US. The government remains focused on seeking a “diplomatic solution” to the pricing conflict.
