Bern, Switzerland – Facing escalating costs and significant delays in arms deliveries, Switzerland is recalibrating its defense strategy, announcing plans to reduce its order of F-35A fighter jets and seek a supplementary European air defense system. The move reflects a growing concern within the traditionally neutral nation regarding a deteriorating geopolitical landscape and the need to bolster its security capabilities in the face of evolving threats.
Originally intending to procure 36 Lockheed Martin F-35A aircraft to replace its aging fleet, the Swiss government now anticipates purchasing approximately 30, following a substantial increase in unit costs. This decision, coupled with projected four-to-five-year delays in the delivery of Patriot missile systems from the United States, is prompting a broader reassessment of Switzerland’s defense posture. The shift underscores the challenges faced by European nations in securing vital military equipment amid heightened global tensions and supply chain disruptions.
Defense Minister Martin Pfister outlined the government’s revised plans at a press conference on Friday, explaining that an additional 1.1 billion Swiss francs (approximately $1.2 billion USD) would have been required to maintain the initial order of 36 F-35As. The decision to scale back the fighter jet order comes after a 2020 referendum approved a budget of just over six billion Swiss francs ($7.7 billion USD) for the procurement. The government is now negotiating with the U.S. Government and Lockheed Martin to finalize the exact number of aircraft, acknowledging that the final figure will depend on ongoing contract discussions. Reuters reported on the revised order size earlier this week.
Seeking Alternatives to U.S. Dependence
The delays in the delivery of Patriot missile systems, initially ordered in 2019 with a price tag of 2 billion Swiss francs, are a key driver behind Switzerland’s search for a European-produced air defense alternative. The U.S. Government reprioritized deliveries to support Ukraine following the outbreak of the war, impacting Switzerland’s timeline. According to Pfister, the delivery schedule is now expected to slip by four to five years, and the total cost could increase by up to 50% due to the delay. Breaking Defense detailed the extent of the potential cost increases.
“This second system should preferably be produced in Europe,” Pfister stated, emphasizing the desire to reduce reliance on a single supplier and ensure a more robust and readily available defense capability. The government has instructed the Federal Department of Defence to “immediately” examine procurement options, prioritizing systems manufactured within Europe or, at least, produced on European soil. This move signals a broader strategic shift towards diversifying Switzerland’s defense partnerships and strengthening its indigenous defense industrial base.
Addressing Evolving Security Threats
Switzerland’s decision to reassess its defense strategy is rooted in a growing recognition of the changing security environment in Europe. The government cited the war in Ukraine, the rise of hybrid threats, and the increasing prevalence of cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and espionage as factors contributing to a more precarious geopolitical landscape. These developments have prompted a reassessment of Switzerland’s long-held policy of armed neutrality and a need to enhance its ability to defend against a wider range of potential threats.
“The global security situation and Switzerland’s geopolitical environment have deteriorated in recent years,” the government stated. The Alpine nation acknowledges It’s currently “not sufficiently equipped to counter the most likely threats,” specifically identifying hybrid warfare and attacks from a distance as areas of concern. Previous cost-cutting measures, coupled with rising prices and extended delivery times in the international arms market, have exacerbated these vulnerabilities.
The Challenge of Hybrid Warfare
Hybrid threats, encompassing a blend of conventional and unconventional tactics, pose a significant challenge to Switzerland’s defense capabilities. These threats include cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining public trust, and covert operations designed to destabilize the country. Switzerland’s traditionally strong focus on territorial defense may be less effective against these types of attacks, necessitating a more comprehensive and adaptable security approach.
The Swiss government estimates that strengthening the country’s defense and security will require an investment of 31 billion Swiss francs. To finance these upgrades, the government is proposing a temporary increase in the value-added tax (VAT) rate by 0.8 percentage points for a period of ten years. The additional revenue will be channeled into an “armament fund,” supplementing the army’s regular budget. A referendum on this proposal is planned for mid-2027, with the aim of implementing the VAT increase in 2028. Defense News provides further details on the proposed funding mechanism.
A Shift in Swiss Defense Policy
Switzerland’s decision to reduce its F-35 order and seek a European air defense system represents a significant shift in its defense policy. Historically committed to neutrality and a well-armed military, Switzerland has traditionally relied on a conscription-based army and a focus on territorial defense. However, the changing geopolitical landscape and the emergence of new threats are forcing the country to adapt its approach.
The move as well reflects a growing awareness of the limitations of relying solely on U.S.-supplied military equipment. The delays in the Patriot system deliveries have highlighted the potential vulnerabilities of depending on a single supplier, particularly in times of heightened global demand. By diversifying its defense partnerships and prioritizing European-produced systems, Switzerland aims to enhance its strategic autonomy and ensure a more secure future.
The F-35A Joint Strike Fighter was selected by Switzerland in June 2021, following a competitive evaluation process that included the Airbus Eurofighter, the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, and the Dassault Rafale. The aircraft was chosen for its advanced capabilities and its ability to meet Switzerland’s specific defense requirements. However, the escalating costs and delivery delays have prompted a reassessment of the original plan.
Looking ahead, Switzerland will continue to engage in negotiations with the U.S. Government and Lockheed Martin to finalize the details of the F-35A order. Simultaneously, the Federal Department of Defence will start evaluating potential European air defense systems, with a focus on identifying a solution that can effectively complement the delayed Patriot deliveries. The outcome of these efforts will shape Switzerland’s defense capabilities for years to arrive.
The next key milestone will be the referendum on the proposed VAT increase in mid-2027, which will determine whether the government has the financial resources necessary to implement its ambitious defense modernization plan. The outcome of this vote will be crucial in shaping the future of Swiss security policy and its ability to respond to the evolving threats facing the nation.
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