Swiss-U.S. Fighter Jet Deal: A Pricey Diplomatic Dilemma
- Switzerland is in discussions with the United States following attempts by Washington to increase the cost of the 36 F-35A fighter jets selected for the Swiss air force in 2021.
- The price increase request stems from higher US inflation and raw material costs, which contradicts Switzerland's fixed-price agreement of around six billion Swiss francs.
- Defense Minister Martin Pfister indicated that negotiations are ongoing, while Urs Loher, head of Swiss defense procurement, emphasized the importance of honoring contractual agreements and highlighted that the possible additional expenses could range from several hundred million to over a billion dollars.
- The first F-35 deliveries are scheduled for 2027, while Switzerland warned that cancelling the deal would have serious consequences and jeopardize national airspace safety from 2032 as current F/A-18 jets retire.
- Swiss authorities emphasize seeking a diplomatic solution to avoid contract termination and maintain their ability to defend the country amid longstanding military neutrality and ongoing domestic controversy.
22 Articles
22 Articles

Switzerland in talks with US as cost of F-35A fighter jets rises
By John Revill and Marleen Kaesebier
Switzerland wants to have ordered 36 US fighter aircraft at a fixed price. This is a "misunderstanding," the Americans now say – and demand a juicy surcharge for the F-35.


Switzerland and the US in spat over cost of F-35 fighter jets
Switzerland and the United States are quibbling over the final price of 36 new Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets bought to replace the ageing Swiss fleet, Bern said Wednesday.
Switzerland in talks with US after F-35 fighter jet price dispute threatens $7.4 billion deal
Switzerland was informed the price for the F-35s would be dearer because of higher raw materials and energy costs, as well as higher US inflation, with the sum potentially increasing by $650 million to $1.3 billion, the government said
Switzerland announced Wednesday that there was an agreement on the price of 36 US F-35 planes to which the European country had contracted, stating that the United States is asking Berne to take additional costs...
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