Live ticker
December 12, 2025, 2:30 p.mDecember 12, 2025, 2:39 p.m
The press conference in the live ticker:
Europe is not keeping pace with these developments, says Pfister. “Switzerland is particularly vulnerable to attacks based on desire, but also cyber attacks.”
The Federal Council decided on Friday to buy fewer than 36 F-35 fighter jets from US manufacturer Lockhead Martin. The Federal Council argues that this is intended to ensure compliance with the budget approved by the people. Defense Minister Martin Pfister will provide information at a media conference from 2:30 p.m.
What’s new?
Switzerland will currently buy fewer than the originally planned 36 F-35 fighter jets from the US manufacturer Lockheed Martin. The Federal Council decided this on Friday.
Switzerland is now buying fewer F-35 jets than expected.Image: keystone
It was only announced in the summer, after discussions with the USA, that there would be no fixed prices for the F-35 jets. The USA claims additional costs due to inflation, developments in raw material prices and other factors.
How many jets should be purchased now?
As stated in a press release, the aim is to purchase as many jets as is possible within the budget of 6 billion francs approved by the voters. He leaves it open how many aircraft there will ultimately be.
Maybe no F-35s will be bought at all?
No, a general abandonment of the F-35 is not an option for the Federal Council, despite the additional costs. The army needs to procure the jets and ground-based air defense systems to a limited extent in order to protect Switzerland from threats from the air with modern systems. In addition, a good exchange is necessary for the procurement of precisely these jets within Europe. In addition to Switzerland, 13 other nations rely on the US jet.
Is further upgrade still possible?
Yes, the procurement of a total of 36 F-35 jets is not completely off the table. Due to the deteriorating geopolitical situation, the Federal Council argues that strengthening Switzerland’s security is a priority issue. By the end of January 2026, the DDPS is expected to provide key parameters for further action to strengthen national defense. It should also present “an internal prioritization of needs for the years 2026/2027”. As a result, the procurement of additional F-35 aircraft could become an issue.
In addition to the F-35, other jets should also be an issue. In the medium term, the Federal Council wants to further strengthen air defense. The report “Air Defense of the Future” from 2017 serves as the basis for this work. Its conclusions “remain largely valid,” writes the state government. Accordingly, Switzerland will need 55 to 70 modern combat aircraft in the future – around twice as many as are now being procured with the F-35 purchase.
The Defense Department is now examining how to proceed – regardless of the aircraft type. “The level of maturity of new technologies and systems on the one hand and the urgency of the security policy situation on the other are important factors when deciding whether existing systems should be retrofitted or new systems purchased.”
(dab/sda)