Switzerland wants 36 F-35 combat jets, but why this figure?

Faced with the Russian threat. Meanwhile, Switzerland wishes to renew its air forces, after the people approved funding of six billion francs. However, Image: Keystone / Imago, montage watson

Switzerland wants 36 combat planes. For example, But why, and above all, at what price? For example, Between budget overruns and uncertainties on the final order, Martin Pfister plays the balancingists.

Benjamin rosch / switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat new ch media

Delicate switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat new situation for Martin Pfister: Wednesday, the head of the Federal Department of Defense reaffirmed his desire to maintain a fixed price for switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat American fighter planes F-35, but in Bern, there are few who still believe that Switzerland will be able to impose this condition against the American authorities.

Estimates evoke overruns ranging from 650 million to 1.3 billion francs, beyond the six billion approved by the Swiss people.

An option envisaged by Martin Pfister would be to reduce the number of devices. Similarly, ordered to comply with the budget envelope. Similarly, Additionally. For example, Additionally. Similarly, The arms chief, Urs Loher, approves it:

Martin Pfister, during a press conference in Bern.Image: Keystone

Switzerland plans to acquire 36 F-35A type hunting planes. In addition, The origin around the number of 36 remains unclear. Furthermore, Back on the origins of this controversial armament project.

Experts in disagreement on the number of planes – Switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat – Switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat new

It all started in 2016. Meanwhile, when the Federal Council launched the purchase process of new fighter planes. Therefore, switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat new A commission of high -level experts is formed. For example, bringing together officials from the Department of Defense and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Among switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat new them: the former head of the Air Forces Aldo Schellenberg. Similarly, Peter Winter, of the Federal Armament Office, which will later sign the contract of the F-35. In addition, Politicians also have their say: the parties of the Federal Council. Therefore, namely the UDC, the PDC, the switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat PLR ​​and the PS each send a representative.

During 14 sessions, this group scrutinizes the needs of the Swiss army. Furthermore, Long discussions take place on the number of necessary planes, could be read in the 2017 final report.

The debate has four options: 55, 40, 30 or 20 jets, each accompanied switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat new by different levels of investment in soil-to-air systems. In addition, The majority of the 14 experts opt for 30 planes, some even suggesting additional budget cuts on planes or missiles. Furthermore, Three of the four parties switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat new represented vote for this choice.

How many F-35 Switzerland should it buy? It switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat would not only be a security issue, but also a financial issue.Image: Imago

In parallel, the Defense Department writes a 200 -page switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat new report. He specifies about the third option (30 planes):

However. the estimated endurance of the country in a war situation would not exceed switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat new two weeks. a hypothesis that the Federal Council will later correct upwards.

An armed conflict taken as a reference – Switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat – Switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat new

In 2018. the Federal Council developed a planning project for acquisition. The latter contains for the first time a calculation of the size of the necessary fleet: it starts from. switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat Furthermore. the principle that:

An F/A-18. plane from the Swiss army this Thursday. June 5, 2025, during training on the air base of the Italian army of Istrana.Image: Keystone

It is therefore not the daily mission of font of heaven that is retained as a reference. but the tensions linked to an armed conflict.

Conversely. the ability to defend yourself switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat new independently for months switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat against a massive air attack by. a powerful opponent cannot serve a reference either. writes the Federal Council:

The mysterious figure “36” appears

As much as the national defense is complex in switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat new the event of war, as much the calculation for combat aircraft seems very simplistic. On this subject. we can read in the report:

Four other jets would be available in reserve. Added to switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat new this is maintenance. According to international standards, 25 to 50% of planes are switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat in repair. So six to sixteen planes. It is not quite clear why the report still provides additional jets for training flights. in a scenario of armed conflict.

Meanwhile. the new Minister of Defense Viola Amherd is asking for the advice of another expert. Claude Nicollier, former French-speaking astronaut and fighter plane switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat new pilot. He pleads for 40 planes.

The Swiss astronaut Claude Nicollier. this Thursday, December 19, 2024.Keystone

His voice was not decisive. As the offers of the various manufacturers have switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat been submitted, surprised: all plan exactly 36 devices. No public debate takes place on this figure.

A reduction in the number of F-35 favored?

At least that was the case switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat new until Wednesday. Regarding a number of devices that Switzerland plans to buy. the Zurich national advisor UDC Thomas Hurter told the SRF:

The Zurich green Balthasar Glättli would prefer to completely cancel the purchase of. the F-35:

A possible. compromise would be the purchase of 30 planes. With six less planes. Switzerland would save around a billion francs, which corresponds exactly to half of the additional costs projected. But it is once again a simplistic calculation.

Translated from German by Anne Castella

Ever more expensive combat aircraft. a bunch of savings switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat new that melts like snow in the sun: the situation of federal finances is anything but pink. AVS and the army may have to deal with heavy additional expenses.

The 2025 school race of the Federal Council took him to the canton of Saint-Gall, homeland of Karin Keller-Sutter. She should not frankly have her heart at the party, and for good reason. At the end of the last government meeting before the summer, two news fell, which did not delight the president. switzerland wants 36 f-35 combat This news should further aggravate the financial situation of the Confederation.