A debate has once again intensified in Switzerland over the Air 2030 program and the purchase of F-35A fighter jets.
The Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) admitted that the actual cost of the contract will exceed the planned $7.44 billion because of a misunderstanding with the United States about what ‘fixed price’ means, opex360 reports.
For the U.S., a ‘fixed price’ means Switzerland pays the same price the Pentagon pays for its aircraft. But Swiss officials believed it referred to the amount listed in the original tender offer. This misunderstanding has sparked political controversy and criticism from the opposition.
The situation has become more complicated after the United States decided to raise tariffs on Swiss exports to 39%. Against this backdrop, three camps have formed in the country: those who support completely abandoning the F-35A, those calling for an increased purchase to strengthen the Air Force, and supporters of a compromise – reducing the number of aircraft to stay within the budget.
Current Defence Minister Martin Pfister advocates maintaining the 2021 decision but adjusting the number of aircraft. He proposes reducing the purchase to 30 F-35As instead of 36 in order to remain within the financial limit of the Air 2030 program.
According to the newspaper Blick, this number is not final. An additional order for another 10 aircraft may be placed in the future. Thus, if funding is available, the Swiss Air Force could potentially acquire 40 F-35As.
Pfister must now convince the Federal Council to approve this strategy.
