Will Switzerland Withdraw from Purchasing F-35s? Reasons Behind Rising Costs
Rokna Political Desk: Switzerland has decided to reduce the number of its F-35 fighter jets due to rising costs. This move, which Swiss officials consider economically unjustifiable, has led to changes in Switzerland’s military procurement plans.
Western media reported that Swiss officials, in a statement, announced that the government has decided to lower the number of F-35 bomber jets it intends to purchase from the United States.
According to Rokna, citing the Russian news agency Interfax, Swiss authorities attributed the decision to rising costs.
In this context, the Swiss government stated that purchasing 36 F-35 fighters, as originally planned, is no longer financially justifiable.
Media reports indicated that in 2021, Swiss authorities had decided to purchase 36 F-35 fighters for $7.54 billion; however, the U.S. later stated that Switzerland had not thoroughly reviewed the deal, resulting in price increases.
Consequently, on Friday, the Swiss government instructed the Ministry of Defense to attempt to procure the maximum number of fighters possible with the same $7.54 billion budget.
News outlets reported that despite trade disputes with Washington, Switzerland still seeks to purchase F-35 fighters. Media sources indicate that Switzerland aims to strengthen its air force, intending to acquire between 55 and 70 new fighters.
Send Comments