Switzerland risks paying billions if US jets are delivered late
The delivery of F-35 fighter jets from the United States has already been delayed in some countries, and if this were the case for Switzerland, the Alpine country would have to pay up to CHF1.75 billion ($1.99 billion).
This content was published on
2 minutes
Tamedia /sp
Русский
ru
Поставка Швейцарии истребителей F-35A может задержаться
The Federal Office for Defence Procurement (Armasuisse) wrote that the contract for the jets between Switzerland the US government “does not include any contractual penalties”. Therefore, while the Swiss state-owned defence contracting firm Ruag had to pay CHF726,000 for the delayed delivery of the Cobra mortar, Lockheed Martin, the F-35A’s manufacturer, does not risk the same.
According to Tamedia, it is Switzerland that would bear the costs of the delay. If the F-35s do not arrive on time, Switzerland would have to extend the lifespan of F/A-18 jets. A few years ago, the Swiss defence ministry estimated that between CHF800 million and CHF1.75 billion would be required to operate the F/A-18 until 2035.
Armasuisse also wrote that general agreements between the US government and the manufacturer – including the one for Swiss F-35A – would contain “contractual mechanisms” that “come into effect in the event of non-performance by Lockheed Martin”. However, neither Armasuisse nor Lockheed Martin says which mechanisms these are and whether they also provide for financial compensation.
The threat is impending, because Lockheed Martin seems to be struggling with delivery problems in the first few countries, including Poland. However, Lockheed Martin promised to meet the Swiss delivery dates.
“We expect the first Swiss jet to be ready for pilot training in the US in 2027,” it said in a statement. The first aircraft will be produced in Italy and they are expected to arrive in Switzerland in 2028.
However, the US Department of Defense hasn’t officially awarded the contract to Lockheed Martin: until it does so, production cannot start.
Swiss foreign minister backs Berset at Council of Europe
This content was published on
Cassis described Berset as the "ideal candidate" to help the Council realise its aim of ensuring security and peace in Europe.
Gay conversion therapy banned in Swiss canton of Valais
This content was published on
On Thursday, the canton approved a new Health Act which includes a ban on therapies aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity.
This content was published on
Some aspects of pro-Palestine sit-ins have gone too far, but the right to protest and debate must be upheld, the student association has said.
Swiss LGTBIQ helpline: attacks more than doubled in 2023
This content was published on
Three organisations jointly operating a helpline have called for more awareness, action and funding to address discrimination.
This content was published on
Switzerland's economy grew slightly at the start of 2024, with growth in the service sector contrasting with weak growth in industry.
Swiss employment rate rises in first quarter of 2024
This content was published on
The number of women and foreign nationals in employment increased particularly strongly, the Federal Statistical Office said on Thursday.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Controversial Swiss fighter jet deal signed off
This content was published on
Swiss officials have signed a deal with the US to buy a fleet of F-35A fighter jets in the face of an ongoing row about their procurement.
Swiss fighter jet document reveals secret French tax offer
This content was published on
France allegedly offered Switzerland a financial sweetener worth CHF3.5 billion to buy its Rafale fighter jets rather than US F-35A aircraft.
Poll: most Swiss are reluctant to increase defence spending
This content was published on
A majority of the Swiss population is not in favour of increasing spending on defence, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.