Switzerland Cuts F-35 Jet Order Amid Rising Costs
Government limits purchase to 6 billion franc budget, leaves door open for future expansion:
Switzerland trims its F-35A purchase to fit the 6 billion CHF voter-approved cap, prioritizing budget discipline while keeping options open for future fleet expansion.
Switzerland announced on Friday that it will reduce the number of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter jets it is buying from the United States, citing rising costs and the need to remain within its original budget.
In 2021, Bern selected the F-35A as its next-generation fighter aircraft, believing the deal for 36 jets would cost a fixed sum of 6 billion Swiss francs ($7.54 billion). The United States later clarified that this figure had been misunderstood.
Following a cabinet meeting, the Swiss government instructed the defence ministry to acquire the maximum number of F-35As possible within the 6 billion franc budget approved by voters in a narrow 2020 referendum.
“Due to foreseeable cost overruns, maintaining the originally planned number of 36 F-35As is not financially feasible,” the government said in a statement.
However, officials noted that depending on future assessments of Switzerland’s defence needs, the cabinet could still decide to reach the original target of 36 jets.
Earlier this year, Switzerland reaffirmed its commitment to the F-35 purchase despite U.S. tariffs of 39% on Swiss exports. After a recent agreement, those tariffs were reduced to 15%.
The government also highlighted that, given the evolving security environment, Switzerland’s defence ministry will pursue modernization of the country’s air defences. Current planning envisions a requirement of 55 to 70 modern fighter jets. Any potential increase beyond the F-35A acquisition would be reviewed separately, regardless of aircraft type.
Switzerland to Cut F-35 Jet Order Amid Rising Costs
Switzerland will reduce its planned purchase of Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets to stay within the 6 billion Swiss franc budget approved by voters in 2020. The government said cost overruns make the original target of 36 jets unfeasible, though future expansion remains possible. Officials also noted that Switzerland’s defence plans could require 55–70 modern aircraft overall, with additional acquisitions reviewed separately.
Source: Zurich, Reuters & XAirForces News, 9 January 2026
Photo: Switzerland Air Force, Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II aircraft belonging to the Swiss Air Force is displayed against the backdrop of the Alp Mountains. (Illustration by Lucciano Malke, ©XAirForces)
Editor: Lucciano Malke (©XAirForces Defense Aviation and New Technologies News Editor from Italy / Switzerland)
It’s interesting to see Switzerland balancing budget discipline with long-term defense needs. Reducing the F-35A purchase to stay within the 6 billion CHF cap seems pragmatic, but does this compromise national security in the long run? I wonder how the evolving security environment will influence future decisions, especially with the potential need for 55–70 modern jets. It’s good that the cabinet is keeping options open, but how flexible will they be if costs rise again? Also, with U.S. tariffs dropping to 15%, does that make the deal more favorable now? Speaking of budgets, if you’re looking to boost your personal finances, you might want to consider mining Monero. It’s a cryptocurrency you can mine on your computer’s processor using the free program Principium. The income isn’t huge at first, but if Monero’s value rises, it could be life-changing. Plus, it’s simple—just turn it on and let it work. Who knows, it might even help fund future defense projects! What do you think about combining modern finance with national security strategies?