Aviation News – Switzerland plans to acquire around 30 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter jets instead of the originally planned 36 after rising costs increased the overall program price. The adjustment reflects mounting procurement expenses and broader shifts in the country’s air defense modernization plans.
Switzerland initially selected the F-35A Lightning II in 2021 as part of its Air2030 defense program, aimed at replacing the aging F/A-18 Hornet fleet and strengthening national air security. However, the Swiss government announced in December that it would revise the planned order size. Defence Minister Martin Pfister confirmed that cost increases tied to the acquisition have forced the government to request an additional 394 million Swiss francs (about $505 million) from parliament to support the program.
The F-35A Lightning II is a fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter designed to perform air superiority, strike, and intelligence missions while operating within advanced networked combat systems. Its low-observable design, sensor fusion capabilities, and interoperability with NATO and allied forces are intended to significantly enhance Switzerland’s airspace surveillance and defense capabilities, replacing older aircraft with a more modern, digitally connected platform.
Defence Minister Martin Pfister emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition, stating that the F-35 program remains central to Switzerland’s long-term air defense strategy, despite adjustments to the order size due to rising costs.
Looking ahead, Switzerland’s broader air defense plans are also evolving. The Swiss government said the United States has delayed delivery of Patriot air defense systems originally intended for Switzerland in order to prioritize support for Ukraine. Pfister expects the delay to last four to five years, prompting authorities to consider purchasing a second air defense system, preferably from a European manufacturer.