Switzerland faces backlash over rising price of US F-35 fighter jets
(MENAFN) Switzerland faces backlash over the rising price of U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets after the American government requested a significant price increase on the contract signed in 2022.
Switzerland initially agreed to purchase 36 F-35A jets under a 7.4 billion deal. However, due to rising energy prices, raw material costs, and inflation, U.S. officials have informed Swiss authorities of an additional payment demand, which could add approximately $1.7 billion to the total cost.
While the Swiss Defense Ministry maintains that the contract includes a “fixed price” agreed upon in September 2022, it acknowledged that legal options to challenge the hike are limited. Diplomatic negotiations are ongoing, and Swiss officials have warned that the country might cancel the purchase if no resolution is reached.
Urs Loher, head of Switzerland’s defense procurement agency Armasuisse, expressed frustration, stating, “A contract is a contract. With the procurement of the F-35A fighter aircraft, we’re suddenly faced with a different reality, despite a clear fixed price.”
The price hike has sparked sharp criticism among Swiss lawmakers across the political spectrum. Fabian Molina, a Social Democratic Party MP, accused the deal’s approval of involving “lies and deception” on social media. Corina Gredig from the Green Liberal Party urged the Federal Council not to “bow down” to U.S. pressure. The Swiss People’s Party condemned the price increase attempt as a “cost fiasco” and labeled it “shameful.”
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