We expected it, but the decision fell officially: the Parliament will indeed examine very closely the controversial acquisition of the F-35 American fighting planes. The National Council management committee announced on Tuesday the opening of an investigation.
In its press release, the Management Committee of the Lower Chamber said it had “decided to investigate the authorities management of the issue of the Fixed 35A price”. The Commission wishes to determine whether, retrospectively, breaches can be noted as to the way in which the government has managed contract negotiations.
In theory, Switzerland must buy 36 F-35 combat planes for a price of 6 billion francs. The Federal Council has always indicated that it was a fixed price. But the American partners indicate that this fixed price constitutes a “misunderstanding” and claim a higher amount, in particular due to additional costs linked to inflation. The final bill could exceed the initial amount of 650 million to $ 1.3 billion. The budget for the purchase of new combat planes having been accepted justly by the people, this case of additional costs raises many waves in Switzerland.
This affair is also very followed in different European countries, where the purchase and maintenance price of American devices also arouses controversy. Several countries that have chosen the F-35 are directly concerned, including Germany, Belgium and Italy. Last March, the Portuguese Defense Ministry even indicated to renounce the F-35 for the benefit of the French Rafale for cost reasons, but the case is not yet definitively settled.
