Switzerland’s €9.69B F-35 fighter jet deal sparks fierce political backlash
The Swiss government’s plan to upgrade its military with F-35 fighter jets and Patriot air defence missiles has faced strong opposition. Critics argue the €9.69 billion price tag is too high for equipment ill-suited to modern conflicts. Meanwhile, the Swiss Social Democrats (SP) have proposed a cheaper, more flexible alternative.
The SP has slammed the government’s defence strategy, calling the Patriot missile system a 'bottomless pit' and the F-35s unnecessarily expensive. Instead, they advocate for a joint European air force focused on realistic threats like drone swarms and low-cost rockets. Their plan includes collaborating with France, Austria, Italy, and Belgium to develop shared aircraft programmes, avoiding the need for F-35s entirely.
The debate over Switzerland’s military future centres on cost and effectiveness. The SP’s proposal would shift spending away from high-end fighter jets toward more adaptable, budget-friendly solutions. A final decision from the government is expected in the coming weeks.
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