Switzerland has announced plans to reduce its purchase of F-35A fighter jets from 36 to about 30 aircraft after the United States raised the projected cost of the program. The country originally selected the F-35A in 2021 to replace its aging fleet of fighter aircraft. However, rising inflation, higher raw material costs, and increased energy prices have pushed the total cost beyond the amount approved by Swiss voters in a 2020 referendum. Swiss Defense Minister Martin Pfister said the additional cost for the originally planned fleet of 36 aircraft would have amounted to around 1.1 billion Swiss francs. As a result, the government is now considering purchasing approximately 30 aircraft instead. The final number will depend on ongoing negotiations between the United States government and manufacturer Lockheed Martin. Switzerland also announced that it is reassessing its broader defense posture in response to evolving security challenges in Europe, including hybrid threats and geopolitical instability. In addition to the fighter jet acquisition, Bern is considering purchasing a European surface-to-air defense system to complement its planned Patriot missile defense system.
