Trump was the last straw: Switzerland demands to abandon F-35

In Switzerland, several political parties are calling on the government to abandon the American F-35 fighter jets.

To persuade the Federal Council to cancel the F-35 purchase contract, a petition has been launched in the country and signed by thousands of citizens.

The Parti Socialiste Suisse (PS), Parti Écologiste Suisse (Greens) and Le Center are in favor of reconsidering the position on the aircraft.

“The cost of the Swiss F-35 acquisition program is estimated at more than CHF 18 billion over the life of the aircraft. Never before has a combat aircraft cost so much: more than 40,000 Swiss francs per hour of flight. Does the F-35 at least meet the needs of our Air Force? It’s up to you to decide,” said the Le Center representative.

The parties demanded that the debate on the F-35 choice and its implications for defense and strategic partnership be resumed.

However, the request for a debate was rejected with 51 votes against by LJS, MCG, PLR, UDC against 41 votes in favor.

After that, the parties decided to launch a petition to urge the government to start discussing the feasibility of purchasing F-35 fighter jets.

The political parties insist that more than 80% of the population is against the purchase of this aircraft.

“Two years ago, we warned about the risk of falling into a dangerous dependence on the United States by purchasing F-35 aircraft. The events after the election of Donald Trump were the last straw,” the petition says.

In addition to dependence on the United States, the parties add that the F-35 is too big, too expensive, has serious operational shortcomings, and is simply not suitable for Switzerland’s needs.

In 2022, it became known that Switzerland was buying 36 F-35A fighters for its Air Force. The deal is worth CHF 6.035 billion. This is about €6 billion.

The American company Lockheed Martin is to deliver the combat aircraft during 2027-2030. The new equipment will replace the current fleet of F/A-18 Hornets and F-5 Tiger of the Swiss Air Force.