Swiss Politicians Push to Cancel F-35 Fighter-Jet Deal After US Tariffs
14 days ago
- #Switzerland
- #US-Tariffs
- #F-35
- Swiss politicians across parties seek to cancel an order of 36 F-35A fighter jets from Lockheed Martin after US tariffs.
- The order could cost up to 7.3 billion Swiss francs ($9.1 billion).
- US President Donald Trump imposed a 39% tariff on Swiss exports, the highest among developed countries.
- Green lawmaker Balthasar Glättli submitted a proposal to abort the procurement project, calling it a 'present' to a country imposing harsh tariffs.
- Social Democrats co-president Cedric Wermuth demanded a renewed plebiscite to let the population decide on the procurement.
- Lockheed Martin faces challenges, including a $1.6 billion charge and reduced Pentagon orders for F-35s in 2026.
- Liberal lawmaker Hans-Peter Portmann suggested stopping or renegotiating the contract and exploring European defense collaborations.
- Switzerland aims to procure at least 30% of its arms from Europe and seeks EU security talks.
- Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter reaffirmed Switzerland's commitment to purchasing F-35s during her Washington visit.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Keller-Sutter discussed strengthening bilateral defense cooperation.