Switzerland cutting the F-35 order

The order has been cut by around six aircraft, leaving a fleet of 30 units still in the contract. Procuring all 36 units would require an additional credit, which the Swiss government decided not to take. Such credit would amount to around CHF 1.1 billion. Instead, “in order to compensate for additional costs due to inflation, the development of raw material prices, and other factors, the Federal Council decided (…) to apply to Parliament for an additional credit of CHF 394 million as part of the Armed Forces Dispatch 2026 and thus to exhaust the approved financial volume,” we read in the News Service of the Confederation’s media release.

The Swiss side is aware of possible negative consequences of the decision, especially regarding “operational capability and sustainability during periods of heightened tension and conflict, and against the background of the current security situation.” According to the estimates made by the group of experts from the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), “55 to 70 modern combat aircraft would be needed for comprehensive air defence geared to the current threat situation.” There were also more extreme approaches to the case, including an all-out withdrawal from the contract, but they were ultimately rejected.

Switzerland is still waiting for the delivery of the Patriot systems package. That one is supposedly delayed by four to five years, following the US decision to supply those systems to Ukraine first. The delivery delay will also generate additional costs. DDPS was directed to find another air defence system to mitigate the delay. An order of Eurosam-made SAMP/T weapon systems is considered.