Aviation News – Switzerland will scale back its planned order of F-35A fighter jets after rising procurement costs made the original purchase of 36 aircraft financially impossible under its voter-approved budget cap.
Switzerland selected the Lockheed Martin F-35A in 2021, expecting to acquire 36 jets for what it believed was a fixed price of six billion Swiss francs. The U.S. later clarified that the amount had been misunderstood and that actual costs would exceed initial estimates. After a cabinet review this week, the government instructed the defence ministry to buy as many aircraft as possible without exceeding the six-billion-franc limit approved in a tightly contested 2020 referendum.
The F-35A is designed to replace Switzerland’s ageing fighter fleet with a modern, stealth-capable aircraft offering advanced sensors, improved situational awareness, and seamless integration with NATO-standard systems. Fewer jets, however, could affect long-term operational coverage and readiness levels.
“The government remains committed to strengthening national air security, but it must do so within the financial parameters mandated by Swiss voters,” officials said, emphasizing the importance of fiscal discipline in defence investment.
The revised procurement plan signals a more cautious approach to major defence spending and may influence future negotiations with international suppliers. Switzerland is expected to finalize the adjusted purchase quantity later this year.