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Switzerland has decided to reduce its planned purchase of U.S.-made F-35A fighter jets while reviewing the acquisition of an additional long-range ground-based air defense system, as rising costs and shifting security priorities force the government to adjust its military modernization plans.

The Swiss Federal Council confirmed that it will proceed with the purchase of around 30 F-35A aircraft instead of the originally planned 36, and is also exploring the possibility of buying a second long-range air defense system, preferably produced in Europe.

The decisions come as Switzerland faces higher defense procurement costs, delays in air defense deliveries, and growing concerns about the country’s ability to maintain strong airspace protection in an increasingly uncertain security environment.

The reduction in the fighter jet order follows a dispute over rising program costs tied to inflation, raw material prices, and updated production contracts negotiated by the United States.

Under Switzerland’s Air2030 defense modernization program, voters approved a financial ceiling of 6 billion Swiss francs, or about $7.7 billion, in a 2020 referendum to acquire a new fleet of combat aircraft.

Swiss officials said purchasing the originally planned 36 F-35 jets would require roughly 1.1 billion Swiss francs, or about $1.3–$1.4 billion, in additional funding. The government said it will not request this extra amount for financial policy reasons.

Instead, the Federal Council will ask parliament to approve an additional 394 million Swiss francs, more than $500 million, to offset increased procurement costs caused by inflation and higher material prices.

“The Swiss Federal Department of Defense currently assumes that this additional loan will allow for the procurement of 30 F-35A fighter jets,” the government said in a statement.

The exact number of aircraft could still change slightly depending on the final contracts negotiated between the U.S. government and manufacturers for upcoming production batches. The F-35 Joint Program Office has not publicly commented on the revised Swiss plan.

Operational Concerns

Swiss officials acknowledged that reducing the number of fighter jets will have operational consequences, particularly during periods of heightened tensions or potential conflict. The Federal Council warned that the smaller fleet could affect “operational capability and sustainability during periods of heightened tension and conflict.”

Swiss Defense Minister Martin Pfister acknowledged the limitations of the reduced order, stating that the smaller fleet would still meet basic security needs but would be less effective during a major crisis. “30 F-35 jets are enough for air police services – but not in the event of a conflict,” Pfister said.

Despite the concerns, the government ruled out canceling the contract entirely, warning that doing so would leave Switzerland unable to protect its airspace once its current fighter fleet retires.

The country’s aging F-18 combat aircraft are expected to be phased out beginning in 2032, making the new fighter purchase critical to maintaining air defense capabilities.

Delays to Patriot Air Defense Systems

Switzerland is also facing delays in the delivery of its long-range air defense systems.

The country previously ordered five Patriot PAC-3MSE missile defense units from the United States as part of the Air2030 program. However, the Swiss government said the delivery of these systems could now be delayed by four to five years.

The delay is linked to Washington’s decision to reprioritize air defense supplies to Ukraine amid ongoing military support for Kyiv.

According to Swiss officials, the delay will also result in high additional costs. The postponement has increased concerns about potential gaps in Switzerland’s air defense coverage during the coming decade.

Europe-Based Air Defense Option Under Review

To mitigate those risks, the Swiss government has instructed the Defense Ministry to examine the acquisition of a second long-range ground-based air defense system. Officials said the system should ideally be produced in Europe.

“We are taking decisive action to ensure Switzerland’s security: We will stick with the Patriot air defense system and are looking into a second one, ideally from Europe,” Pfister said.

One possible candidate is the SAMP/T system produced by Eurosam, a joint venture between France’s Thales and the European missile manufacturer MBDA. The SAMP/T system is capable of intercepting aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles and is widely used by several European militaries.

Another option under consideration could involve expanding Switzerland’s existing order of IRIS-T air defense systems. The country has already ordered five IRIS-T-SLM medium-range systems as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative.

Future IRIS-T-SLX missiles, expected to become available around 2029, could extend the system’s range to roughly 100 kilometers and operate from the same launchers as the existing missiles.

Swiss defense officials are expected to present a report on the potential acquisition of a second long-range air defense system by summer 2027.

Funding Debate and Possible Tax Increase

As Switzerland expands its defense planning, officials are also debating how to finance additional military spending.

Pfister has warned that the Swiss Armed Forces must be better prepared for the current security environment. To help fund the buildup, Swiss policymakers are discussing a temporary 0.8 percentage-point increase in the value-added tax for ten years.

The proposal would provide additional funding for defense programs but would require voter approval in a national referendum. A vote on the measure could take place as early as summer 2027.

Challenges Facing the Global F-35 Program

Switzerland’s cost dispute reflects broader financial pressures surrounding the global F-35 program.

According to U.S. government oversight reports, the Pentagon is also seeking additional funding to improve the sustainability and operational performance of the aircraft.

In fiscal year 2025, all three variants of the F-35 fell more than 35 percentage points short of the minimum target for full operational capability.

Each version of the aircraft also failed to meet minimum mission-capability targets by at least ten percentage points. The U.S. military currently operates roughly 800 F-35 aircraft across the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.

Program officials have developed a new sustainability strategy aimed at improving readiness rates and achieving a fleet-wide operational capability of 80 percent and a full operational capability of 65 percent by 2030. Implementing that strategy is expected to cost about $12 billion over the next five years.

Switzerland Reassesses Defense Strategy

Switzerland’s decisions on fighter jets and missile defense highlight the challenges facing many European countries as they attempt to modernize their militaries amid rising costs and growing security uncertainties.

While the country remains committed to the F-35 program and the broader Air2030 modernization effort, the latest adjustments suggest Bern is trying to balance financial constraints with the need to strengthen national defense.

The government’s review of additional air defense systems, particularly those produced in Europe, also reflects a broader trend among European nations seeking to diversify military procurement and reduce reliance on a single supplier.

With delays affecting key systems and geopolitical tensions continuing to shape defense priorities across Europe, Switzerland is now recalibrating its security strategy to ensure it can protect its airspace and population in the years ahead.