Switzerland’s Federal Council has reduced its F-35A stealth fighter order from 36 to approximately 30 aircraft following unresolved pricing disputes with the United States and escalating costs. The decision keeps the procurement within the CHF 6 billion ($7.54 billion) budget approved by voters in a 2020 referendum under the Air2030 program.
Defense Minister Martin Pfister confirmed on March 6, 2026, that the government seeks an additional CHF 394 million ($505 million) credit from parliament to offset inflation, raw material price hikes, and other economic factors. This funding aims to secure 30 F-35As, with the exact number pending negotiations between the US government and Lockheed Martin for future production batches.
Pricing talks in August 2025 faltered over contract interpretations amid cost increases, prompting the cut. An extra CHF 1.1 billion ($1.4 billion) would have been required for the full 36 jets, which the Council rejected for fiscal reasons despite anticipated negative impacts on operational capability and sustainability during tensions.
The F-35A, selected in 2021 over competitors like the Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, and F/A-18 Super Hornet, replaces aging F/A-18 Hornets and F-5 Tigers, with the latter retiring by 2027. Withdrawing from the deal was dismissed due to airspace security risks from 2032.
Compounding challenges, Patriot air defense system deliveries face a four-to-five-year delay due to US prioritization for Ukraine, incurring extra costs. The government is exploring a second European-sourced long-range system to diversify supply chains and enhance availability.