Army and Security
Switzerland could buy less F-35 than expected
Thomas Süssli spoke about the purchase and cost of the 36 American combat aircraft. He defends Bern’s position, despite criticism.
The army chief, Thomas Süssli, confirmed the importance of the purchase of American fighting aircraft for Switzerland.
imoo images / Uig
- The United States could request up to up to Switzerland up to the purchase of F-35 combat aircraft.
- The head of the army Thomas Süssli firmly defends the purchase of these planes and recalls its importance for the security of Switzerland.
- Two options are envisaged: an additional credit approved by the Parliament or the decrease in the amount of aircraft ordered.
How much is 36 American combat planes? Six billion francs had been planned in 2021 for this transaction between Switzerland and the United States, but the calculations may not be good.
The United States, which speaks of a “misunderstanding”, could claim an additional sum of 650 million to $ 1.3 billion (around 1 billion francs) in Bern, due to additional costs. Something to hit the political chronicle.
In an interview on German radio SRFthe army chief spoke on Tuesday for the first time on this subject. He highlights the importance for Switzerland to have the F-35. “We need this fighting plane to protect our country,” he said.
Thomas Süssli defends a fixed price
Just like the Federal CouncilThomas Süssli said that a fixed price of 6 billion was well agreed. The risk of additional costs has always been dismissed.
Thomas Süssli said that a fixed price of 6 billion had been contractually agreed.
KEYSTONE
But if the next discussions with the United States did not succeed and the bill did indeed increase, the army chief insists that it will not be necessary to stop the transaction. A position shared by the government, which is not seen back.
He therefore exhibited two possible solutions if things get stuck: either the Parliament approves additional credit to finalize the purchase, or the quantity of aircraft purchased will be adapted.
Parliament survey on F-35
As a reminder, the parliament seized the scandal and several interventions took place, whether to strengthen the purchase or to question it. The National Management Commission announced on Tuesday the opening of an investigation into the issue of purchase prices for combat aircraft.
However, Wednesday, the National Council’s Security Policy Commission refused to suspend any payment in connection with the acquisition of the aircraft. The proposals aimed at analyzing European alternatives in the event of withdrawal of purchase of the F-35 or to entrust to the Federal Justice Office an assessment of the legal situation have also been refused.
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