A fresh crisis has erupted in Europe over the U.S.-made F-35 fighter jet, as Switzerland’s long-planned acquisition faces uncertainty following a dispute over escalating costs. The Swiss Federal Council announced that the agreement signed with Washington in 2022 to procure 36 F-35A aircraft is now under review, after the United States signaled significant price increases.
In a written statement, the Swiss government confirmed that negotiations with U.S. officials during the summer had failed to secure a fixed purchase price. “The talks have made it clear that Washington is unwilling to deviate from its position. Therefore, Switzerland cannot set a binding price for the F-35A fighter jets. The Federal Council has instructed the Ministry of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) to examine various options in depth by the end of November,” the statement read.
The original contract, signed on September 19, 2022, was valued at roughly $7.4 billion. However, additional costs ranging between 650 million and 1.3 billion Swiss francs were announced in June, with estimates suggesting the final bill could climb by as much as $1.7 billion. U.S. officials have pointed to inflation, rising global commodity prices, and newly imposed tariffs—including a 39% tariff applied to Swiss imports—as reasons behind the price hike.
Despite the dispute, the Federal Council reiterated its commitment to the F-35 program, citing the aircraft’s technological advantages and its widespread adoption across Europe. Still, political voices in Bern are growing louder. Swiss People’s Party MP Jean-Luc Addor has criticized the fairness of the contract, urging a reassessment of the deal in light of the mounting financial burden.
The controversy in Switzerland follows a similar debate in Spain, where Madrid has also expressed unease over the rising costs of acquiring the F-35. Notably, Spanish defense analysts have suggested that Türkiye’s next-generation fighter project, KAAN, could emerge as a viable alternative for European nations seeking a cost-effective solution without compromising on advanced capabilities.
As the Swiss government weighs its options, the outcome of the F-35 negotiations could set a precedent for other European buyers—potentially opening the door to alternative suppliers and reshaping the continent’s defense procurement landscape.
