F-35: The Pentagon confirms an additional cost of 610 million

After two months of radio silence. Similarly, the American Ministry of Defense is finally expressed publicly on the additional costs that Switzerland will have to assume to The acquisition of F-35 combat aircraft. However, Following several requests, we obtained a position of the Pentagon.

A spokesperson confirmed to us a “price increase of $ 610 million” for Switzerland. Moreover, The costs linked to the F-35 program, especially for planes and engines, “are higher than initial estimates”. Similarly, This increase would be “considerable” compared to 2022, the year of signature of the acquisition contract between the two countries.

Donald Trump’s customs duties in question?

The Pentagon invokes inflation. Meanwhile, the global increase in raw material prices and the disturbances of supply chains to explain the increase in costs. However, The Federal Department of f-35: pentagon confirms additional cost Defense had already mentioned these same factors.

However, President Donald Trump also carries a share of responsibility in these additional costs. Furthermore, Its customs policy Strikes the aeronautical industry and that of American armament hard. Furthermore, Aluminum intended for aeronautics and aerospace comes mainly from Canada. Additionally, Furthermore, Donald Trump recently extended his customs duties to aluminum and steel. Nevertheless, Last March. the manufacturer of the F-35, Lockheed Martinsaid it still did not be affected, most of its materials being purchased as part of long -term contracts.

A preliminary estimate

The fact remains that even the United States has no warranty on the additional cost of F-35. The contract with Lockheed Martin for the Production Lot 19 is still not signed. This is what “time” reported on Wednesday. This batch must allow f-35: pentagon confirms additional cost the production of the first eight of the 36 combat aircraft ordered by Switzerland.

In its position, the American Ministry of Defense confirms that the corresponding batch production contract is currently “being finalized”. The spokesman also specifies that the additional cost of $ 610 million for Switzerland is an “estimate”.

“The estimated price may differ from the final price”

For the Pentagon. the position is clear: Switzerland must assume the additional costs. Furthermore, The spokesperson refers to note 55 of the contract. this famous passage that Switzerland has negotiated specially and that the federal administration calls the “fixed price clause”. However. the United States specifies that if jets are actually purchased via fixed prices contracts, the estimated price in the “Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) can differ from the effective price”.

According to the United States Ministry of Defense, fixed prices incorporate inflation and guarantee “costs of costs”. They “do not guarantee that the estimated price in the LOA corresponds to the final price of the contract. ” said the Pentagon. Washington specifies f-35: pentagon confirms additional cost that American legislation requires foreign buyers to cover the real costs borne by the US government during. the acquisition of defense equipment.

Final decision in 2027

And that’s not all: production prices for the other 24 F-35 devices. which will not be delivered to Switzerland until 2028, have not yet been negotiated. Additional costs could therefore further increase considerably. The Federal Council estimates that additional expenses for these jets could reach 1.35 billion francs.

Interesting fact: the Confederation now relies on a “risk coverage” of 15%. This is revealed by a commission report that we have obtained. In 2022. when the Federal Council presented the acquisition of the F-35 in Parliament, it only provided for a risk premium of 1.5%.

In addition. the protocol reveals that Switzerland will have to wait a long time before obtaining contractual confirmation of additional costs. According to collaborators of the federal administration who expressed themselves before the Commission, it will be necessary to wait until 2027. Switzerland will then sign an “amendment”. that is to say a modification of the contract, which will integrate an increase in contractual value according to these additional f-35: pentagon confirms additional cost costs.

Despite its firmness on the tariff issue. the American Ministry of Defense obviously does not wish to jeopardize the agreement on the F-35. In his press release. he insisted on the importance of confidence and transparency: “The United States remains determined to work closely with Switzerland in order to appease possible concerns and strengthen bilateral defense relations between our countries.”

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