Switzerland to Proceed with F-35 Acquisition Despite Cost Uncertainty

Switzerland will proceed with the acquisition of Lockheed Martin's F-35A Lightning II fighter jets despite uncertainty over the final price due to US tariffs and cost pressures. The government made the announcement despite the uncertainty, indicating that the purchase will move forward as planned.

Switzerland has reaffirmed its commitment to purchasing Lockheed Martin's F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, despite uncertainty surrounding the final price due to U.S. tariffs and cost pressures. The Swiss government announced this decision on Wednesday, a week after the U.S. imposed significant tariffs on Switzerland, citing the country's contribution to the U.S. trade deficit.

The Swiss government had initially planned to buy the jets at a fixed price of around 6 billion Swiss francs ($7.47 billion) for 36 aircraft. However, the U.S. has since indicated that this sum was a misunderstanding, and that the total cost could potentially increase by $650 million to $1.3 billion. Talks with the United States to mitigate this increase proved unsuccessful, leaving Switzerland to proceed with the acquisition as planned.

The price of the jets will ultimately depend on various factors, including U.S. inflation, global commodity prices, and price increases due to the tariffs imposed by the U.S. worldwide. Despite the uncertainty, Switzerland remains committed to acquiring the F-35A, which it considers a crucial component of its national defense strategy.

The F-35A is a multirole strike fighter designed for both air superiority and strike missions, as well as electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. It is a cornerstone of NATO and U.S.-allied air power, with the U.S. planning to buy 2,456 F-35s through 2044. The aircraft is also available for export, with several other countries considering or having ordered the aircraft.

The F-35's development has drawn criticism for its unprecedented size, complexity, ballooning costs, and delayed deliveries. However, the aircraft's advanced capabilities and versatility have made it a popular choice for many air forces worldwide.

Switzerland's decision to proceed with the F-35A acquisition, despite the uncertainty over the final price, reflects the country's commitment to modernizing its air force and ensuring its national security. The government's statement indicates that the purchase will move forward as planned, with the final price to be determined based on the factors mentioned earlier.

References:
[1] Reuters. (2025). Swiss see risk of tariffs increasing cost of F-35 jets. Yahoo Finance. Retrieved from https://finance.yahoo.com/news/swiss-see-risk-tariffs-increasing-131925705.html
[2] Wikipedia. (2025). Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II