Lawmakers in Switzerland have raised concerns over the country’s planned purchase of F-35 fighter jets from the United States after recent announcements of US tariff increases. 

The proposed deal involves buying 36 F-35A fighter jets from the United States, with Lockheed Martin as the manufacturer. The transaction had previously passed parliamentary approval, but the new trade policy declarations have led to uncertainty among Swiss politicians. Parliament members expressed worries that the United States could use its economic policies to exert pressure on Switzerland during or after the delivery process.

The Swiss Ministry of Defence stated that the contract for the 36 jets was already signed and is legally binding. Switzerland’s Secretary of State for Economic Affairs pointed out that the country would seek dialogue with US authorities to address the issue. Some members of parliament mentioned the importance of strategic autonomy and questioned whether Switzerland’s neutrality is at risk due to foreign policy moves.

The debate has intensified political discussions in Bern, with opposition parties critical of large defence purchases from the United States. The tariff threats by Donald Trump are a key factor in these recent deliberations regarding Switzerland’s future military partnerships.

(Source: POLITICO)