Switzerland will not purchase all 36 American F-35 fighter jets originally planned, the Federal Council decided Friday.
Instead, the government will acquire fewer aircraft to stay within the CHF 6bn budget approved by voters in 2020.
Officials say the exact number will depend on rising costs in the U.S. though they promise to buy “the maximum possible” within the budget.
Defense Minister Martin Pfister warns that fewer jets could limit Switzerland’s air defense, but the government is cautious, avoiding new funding requests that could trigger another referendum.
He says he’s also considering buying different types of jets from other countries, even if running two fleets will be more expensive.
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