Through various statements, Swiss parliamentarians from different political parties have expressed their willingness to cancel the contract for the acquisition of 36 F-35A stealth fighters from the U.S. company Lockheed Martin, following the imposition of a 39% tariff on Swiss exports by U.S. President Donald Trump. The measure, which affects products such as luxury watches and coffee capsules, has intensified the debate in Bern over whether to maintain the deal, whose value could reach 7.3 billion Swiss francs (9.1 billion dollars).
The contract, signed in September 2022 for 6.25 billion dollars, was authorized by the U.S. Department of State under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program and later approved by the Swiss parliament for implementation. Deliveries of the fifth-generation aircraft would take place between 2027 and 2030 to replace the current fleet of F/A-18 Hornets and F-5 Tigers, as well as to supply weapons such as AIM-9X Block II+ air-to-air missiles and GBU-53/B and GBU-54 JDAM guided bombs.
Criticism of the purchase has increased in recent weeks, especially after the Swiss government acknowledged a “misunderstanding” with Washington regarding the final cost of the aircraft. Lawmakers such as Balthasar Glättli, from the Green Party, and Cédric Wermuth, from the Social Democratic Party, propose canceling the deal or putting it back to a popular vote. Others, like Hans-Peter Portmann, from the Liberal Party, suggest a partial or total suspension of the contract and the pursuit of greater defense agreements with European partners.
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter defended the continuation of the program during a visit to Washington, where she met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also serving as acting national security adviser. Both reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defense cooperation despite trade tensions.
Rejection from other countries.
In Spain, the government decided to indefinitely suspend the acquisition of up to 50 F-35s, including the F-35B version needed to replace the Spanish Navy’s AV-8B+ Harrier vertical takeoff aircraft. The decision is based on strategic, industrial, and political considerations, prioritizing European alternatives such as the Eurofighter, Rafale, or the future FCAS fighter, although none of these options have vertical takeoff capability. The Spanish government’s decision would leave the Spanish Navy without a next-generation aircraft to replace the veteran attack planes operating from the Strategic Projection Ship Juan Carlos I.
In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government informed U.S. authorities that it will not proceed with the purchase of the F-35A despite Washington’s efforts. India’s stance maintains a focus on programs that ensure technology transfer and local production, in line with its defense self-sufficiency policy, among which the national fifth-generation AMCA stealth fighter project stands out.
These decisions reflect an international scenario in which, despite the advanced capabilities of the F-35 stealth fighter, some countries choose to prioritize regional alliances, technological independence, or domestic projects over reliance on U.S. systems.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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