Switzerland announced on Friday that it will reduce the number of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter jets it is buying from the United States, citing rising costs and the need to remain within its original budget.

In 2021, Bern selected the F-35A as its next-generation fighter aircraft, believing the deal for 36 jets would cost a fixed sum of 6 billion Swiss francs ($7.54 billion). The United States later clarified that this figure had been misunderstood.

Following a cabinet meeting, the Swiss government instructed the defence ministry to acquire the maximum number of F-35As possible within the 6 billion franc budget approved by voters in a narrow 2020 referendum.

“Due to foreseeable cost overruns, maintaining the originally planned number of 36 F-35As is not financially feasible,” the government said in a statement.

However, officials noted that depending on future assessments of Switzerland’s defence needs, the cabinet could still decide to reach the original target of 36 jets.

Earlier this year, Switzerland reaffirmed its commitment to the F-35 purchase despite U.S. tariffs of 39% on Swiss exports. After a recent agreement, those tariffs were reduced to 15%.

The government also highlighted that, given the evolving security environment, Switzerland’s defence ministry will pursue modernization of the country’s air defences. Current planning envisions a requirement of 55 to 70 modern fighter jets. Any potential increase beyond the F-35A acquisition would be reviewed separately, regardless of aircraft type.

Switzerland to Cut F-35 Jet Order Amid Rising Costs

Switzerland will reduce its planned purchase of Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets to stay within the 6 billion Swiss franc budget approved by voters in 2020. The government said cost overruns make the original target of 36 jets unfeasible, though future expansion remains possible. Officials also noted that Switzerland’s defence plans could require 55–70 modern aircraft overall, with additional acquisitions reviewed separately.

Source: Zurich, Reuters & XAirForces News, 8 January 2026

Photo: Switzerland Air Force, Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II aircraft belonging to the Swiss Air Force is displayed against the backdrop of the Alp Mountains. (Illustration by Lucciano Malke, ©XAirForces)

Editor: Lucciano Malke (©XAirForces Defense Aviation and New Technologies News Editor from Italy / Switzerland)

Keywords:  6 billion francsair defenceBernbudgetcabinet decisioncost overrunsdefence ministryexportsF-35AFighter JetsLockheed Martinmilitary spendingmodernizationprocurementreferendumsecurity situationSwitzerlandSwitzerland Air ForcetariffsUnited States

Switzerland Cuts F-35 Jet Order Amid Rising Costs