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F-35 arguments continue in Bern

Friday, 22 August 2025 06:30

F-35 fighter jet

The US F-35 jet deal is turning into a headache, but the Federal Council isn’t backing down.

Costs have shot up by as much as CHF 1.3bn, yet Defense Minister Martin Pfister says the US stealth fighter is still the only choice. 

Critics aren’t convinced. Air Force Chief Peter Merz has admitted the current F/A-18s could keep flying until at least 2035 for far less money, giving Switzerland time to look at European options. 

But the government refuses to seek new offers and is sticking with the F-35 — even as the US delays  deliveries. 

Public frustration is mounting: in a Blick survey, 70 percent of readers said they want another referendum to have the final say.

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