Switzerland will pay more than initially planned for 36 US-made F-35 fighter jets after failing to secure a fixed-price deal with Washington, the Swiss government said Wednesday.
The CHF6 billion ($7.47 billion) agreement, signed in 2022, was presented as a fixed-price contract. However, negotiations to lock in the cost broke down over the summer, with the US refusing to alter its position. The Federal Council said “intensive talks with high-ranking representatives of the White House” yielded no result. Defense Minister Martin Pfister was also unable to reach an agreement with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in a recent phone call.
The government now estimates additional costs between CHF650 million and CHF1.3 billion ($808 million to $1.6 billion). “Switzerland must accept that the price per production batch corresponds to the value negotiated between the US government and Lockheed Martin,” the Federal Council said. The final figure will depend on factors such as US inflation, global commodity prices, and possible tariff changes.
Despite the cost increase, the government said canceling the purchase is not an option and instructed the defense ministry to reassess the procurement and explore “various options” by the end of November.
The development follows weeks of political criticism in Switzerland. In July, lawmakers from across the political spectrum raised concerns over transparency and contractual enforcement after reports that US officials had requested up to $1.7 billion in additional payments, citing inflation and rising material costs.
Urs Loher, head of Armasuisse, said: “A contract is a contract. With the procurement of the F-35A fighter aircraft, we’re suddenly faced with a different reality, despite a clear fixed price.”
Opposition parties have accused the government of misleading the public to secure approval for the purchase. Fabian Molina of the Social Democratic Party alleged “lies and deception,” while Corina Gredig of the Green Liberal Party urged the government not to give in to US demands. The Swiss People’s Party called the situation a “cost fiasco” and “shameful.”
Critics have also questioned the 2022 selection process, noting that the French Rafale—reportedly favored by Swiss Air Force pilots—was rejected. MP Pierre-Alain Fridez claimed the evaluation criteria were tailored to benefit the F-35 and that the fixed-price argument was used to justify the decision.
Public opposition remains significant. An April poll by Leewas found nearly two-thirds of Swiss citizens against the purchase. More than 42,500 people have signed a petition by the “Stop the F-35 Alliance” seeking to block the deal. A 2022 referendum attempt was prevented by the defense ministry, which cited contractual deadlines.
The Swiss National Council’s Audit Committee is reviewing the procurement and plans to examine relevant documents and seek expert input.
