Switzerland is reconsidering its fighter jet procurement plan and may purchase around 30 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II aircraft instead of the originally planned 36 after price increases from the United States. The move forms part of a broader reassessment of Switzerland’s defense structure as the country adapts to a more volatile security environment in Europe.
The F-35A was selected in June 2021 to replace Switzerland’s aging fighter fleet after beating rivals including the Eurofighter Typhoon offered by Airbus, the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet from Boeing, and the Dassault Rafale produced by Dassault Aviation. However, cost negotiations between Bern and Washington have become contentious, with the U.S. citing inflation and rising material and energy costs as reasons for a higher final price.
Swiss Defence Minister Martin Pfister said acquiring the full 36 aircraft would require an additional 1.1 billion Swiss francs, prompting the government to consider scaling the order down to approximately 30 units. The final figure will be determined through ongoing discussions with the U.S. government and manufacturer Lockheed Martin.
Alongside the fighter acquisition, Switzerland is reviewing its air defense plans. While the country remains committed to purchasing the MIM-104 Patriot system, it is also exploring a European-made surface-to-air defense solution after Washington informed Bern that five Patriot units originally intended for Switzerland had been reassigned to Ukraine.
Officials say the Swiss armed forces may require about 31 billion Swiss francs to strengthen national security and address emerging hybrid threats. To finance this effort, the government is proposing a temporary VAT increase of 0.8 percentage points for 10 years and the creation of a dedicated armament fund, with a national referendum on the proposal potentially scheduled for mid-2027.
