Swiss Legislator Demands Cancelation of F-35 Deal After U.S. Price Surge
(MENAFN) A Swiss legislator has called on the federal government to scrap its F-35A fighter jet purchase from the United States after Washington unexpectedly requested additional funding, contradicting earlier commitments to a fixed price.
Pierre-Alain Fridez, representing Switzerland’s Social Democratic Party and a vocal opponent of the costly arms deal, told media that while US arms sales policies have always been straightforward, Switzerland manipulated its acquisition process to favor the F-35A, despite the jet’s misalignment with the country’s defense priorities.
"US procedures in terms of arms sales are clear," Fridez stated in a written comment. "Armasuisse (the procurement organization for armaments of Switzerland) wanted to understand what suited them, as they were looking for a favorable price to push ahead with the F-35. Fixed price simply meant same price as the USA."
Back in 2021, Switzerland committed to purchasing 36 F-35A jets from Lockheed Martin for CHF 6 billion ($7.5 billion). Former Defense Minister Viola Amherd, who stepped down in March 2025, had assured the public the cost would remain fixed.
Yet the US Department of Defense has recently notified Swiss authorities that rising inflation and material costs demand an additional budget—possibly up to CHF 1.3 billion ($1.6 billion) more.
The Pentagon clarified that the "fixed price" only applies once production of the aircraft starts, not to the overall acquisition expenses. Washington labeled the earlier agreement a "misunderstanding," and Switzerland is now seeking diplomatic channels since the contract prevents legal disputes.
Fridez cautioned that moving forward with the F-35 purchase would be a costly strategic blunder.
“Acquiring the F-35 -- an aircraft that is not ideal for air policing, which is Switzerland's actual need -- and moreover, the most expensive aircraft in the world, is a mistake," he said. "We must abandon this aircraft."
As an alternative, Fridez recommended a step-by-step, budget-conscious plan modeled after Austria’s approach.
He suggested initially buying Leonardo’s M-346 jets for training and air policing duties, extending the operational life of Switzerland’s current fleet of 30 F/A-18 fighters, and eventually acquiring a European-made fighter like the Rafale.
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