Swiss elected officials have rejected alternatives to F-35

The purchase price of the F-35A by Switzerland is the subject of a survey.Image: KEYSTONE

The National Council’s Security Policy Commission opposes a suspension of any payment in relation to the purchase of the fighting aircraft as well as an analysis of European alternatives.

The National Council’s Security Policy Commission is due to F-35 combat aircraft. During an extraordinary session, she refused several requests to find alternatives.

The Commission was informed by the Federal Department of Defense (DDPS) of current challenges as part of the AIR2030 program and, in particular, of the purchase of new F-35A combat aircraft. She inquired about the action possibilities for the rest of the purchasing process.

By 17 votes to 8, she opposed a suspension of any payment in relation to the purchase of the Lockheed-Martin jet. By 16 votes against 8, she also rejected a proposal as a premise which loaded the Federal Council to analyze the European alternatives to the F-35A in the event of possible withdrawal of the purchase contract.

A third proposal which asked to entrust the Federal Office of Justice an assessment of the legal situation relating to the acquisition of F-35 combat aircraft in the event of excess costs was refused by 16 votes against 9.

Prize under survey

On Tuesday, the National Management Committee announced an investigation into the purchase price. Switzerland and the United States do not agree on the purchase price of six billion francs for the 36 F-35A combat aircraft.

The United States invokes a misunderstanding and required 650 million to an additional $ 1.3 billion, while Switzerland is under an already negotiated fixed price, said the Federal Council last week. (JZS/ATS)

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