The army chief, Thomas Süssli, believes that Switzerland still needs the F-35. Under condition, however, it would be possible to reduce the number of these combat aircraft, he said in an SRF German-style radio interview.
Either Parliament approves additional credit, or we adapt the quantity. These are the two options if it turns out that Switzerland cannot acquire the 36 planes for cost reasons, said Thomas Süssli on Tuesday in the SRF “Tagesges prize”.
Almost two weeks ago, it appeared that Switzerland and the United States did not agree on the price of these devices ordered in 2021. While Switzerland is under a fixed price of six billion francs, the United States invokes a “misunderstanding” and claim an additional sum of up to 1.3 billion dollars, due to additional costs.
>> Read also: Purchase of F-35: The Federal Council defends the agreed price, Washington evokes a “misunderstanding”
Some experts sometimes talk about even higher costs. Like the Federal Council, Thomas Süssli insists on the fixed price: “This is what is written in the contract and this is how we interpret it.”
>> See the subject of 7:30 p.m. on the purchase price of the F-35 examined by the National Management Commission:
“We need this fighting aircraft”
If the discussions to come with the United States do not lead to a result, the purchase of the F-35 should not be stopped, said the Argovian. “We need this fighting aircraft to protect our country.” The F-35 “by far” best fulfilled the requirements during the 2018 and 2019 assessment.
Armament goods have generally become more expensive. “Three years ago, a shell was still 1200 dollars, today it was 7,400 dollars,” said the army leader, referring to the changing world situation and increases.
Thomas Süssli, who has been at the head of the army since 2020, will leave his post at the end of the year.
>> Read also: Army chief Thomas Süssli and the head of the SRC Christian Dussey resign
ats/edel
