The government says it wants to sign the contract with the United States to buy new F 35 fighter jets as soon as possible.
The deadline for the agreement is not until March next year – but the Federal Council says it will follow the recommendation of the Security Policy Committee and accelerate the purchase of the planes.
It points out since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, many countries have boosted their defence spending – and Finland, Germany and Canada have also requested new F 35s.
The move comes despite a possible vote to stop the purchase. Campaigners are collecting signatures at the moment to force the issue to the ballot.
Popular initiatives have no legal standing before being voted on.
The government hopes the planes will be available by 2027.
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