Swiss anger mounts over US bid to raise F‑35 price tag

Switzerland’s order for 36 American‑made F‑35A fighter jets faces a furious backlash after Washington asked Bern to pay roughly $1.7 billion more than the $7.4 billion price agreed in September 2022, citing higher energy and raw‑material costs and surging inflation.

The Federal Department of Defence confirmed that a “fixed price” clause exists in the contract but acknowledged it offers no straightforward legal remedy. Officials said diplomatic talks are under way and warned the entire deal could be scrapped if the dispute is not resolved. 

“A contract is a contract,” said Urs Loher, head of the procurement agency Armasuisse. “We suddenly find ourselves confronting another reality despite a clearly defined fixed price.”

Politicians from across the spectrum have condemned the U.S. move. Social Democrat Fabian Molina accused the government of using “lies and deception” to secure parliamentary approval, while Green Liberal law‑maker Corina Gredig urged the Federal Council not to “bow down” to American pressure. The right‑wing Swiss People’s Party called the situation a “cost fiasco” and “shameful.”

Criticism has been building since the F‑35 beat France’s Rafale in the 2021 fighter competition. MP Pierre‑Alain Fridez alleges the evaluation criteria were tailored to favour the U.S. jet and dismisses the “myth of a fixed price” as cover for choosing the more expensive aircraft. The National Council’s Audit Committee has opened an inquiry and will question experts as well as review government files.

Public sentiment has turned sharply against the purchase. An April poll of more than 35,000 people by research firm Leewas found two‑thirds oppose buying the F‑35. 

The “Stop the F‑35 Alliance” says it has gathered over 42,500 signatures on a petition, and a separate 2022 initiative collected more than 100,000 names for a referendum—later blocked by the Defence Ministry on timing grounds.

With parliament enraged, voters wary and the price in flux, Switzerland’s most expensive arms deal in decades is now in doubt and could yet crash before take‑off.