Switzerland considers canceling $9 billion F-35 fighter jet deal due to Trump's tariffs
Photo: Switzerland demands to abandon F-35 deal with US (Getty Images)
Swiss politicians are calling to cancel a multibillion-dollar deal to purchase F-35 fighter jets from the US in response to newly imposed tariffs by President Donald Trump, Bloomberg reports.
After US President Donald Trump imposed a 39% tariff on goods from Switzerland, political pressure on the government in Bern increased to reconsider the deal to purchase F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin worth up to 7.3 billion Swiss francs ($9.1 billion).
Politicians from various parties believe that such measures from the US are incompatible with major defense procurements. "A country which throws rocks at us in trade shouldn't get a present," said Green lawmaker Balthasar Glättli
Initiatives against deal
In the spring, Glättli submitted a draft resolution to Parliament to cancel the contract. It could be reviewed as early as September.
Cedric Wermuth, Co-president of the Swiss Social Democrats, proposed holding a second referendum "so that the population can stop the procurement."
Growing discontent
Even representatives of liberal forces are beginning to question the appropriateness of the deal. "I don't know how our people will accept the purchase of F-35 fighter jets at prices higher than originally assumed - especially after the American tariff shock," said Hans-Peter Portmann, a Liberal lawmaker and fellow party member of Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter.
Portmann believes the government should consider a full or partial halt to the contract, even if it results in financial losses. Instead, defense cooperation with Europe should be strengthened.
Changes in defense policy
The contract with Lockheed Martin has cast doubt on the overall direction of Switzerland's defense policy. The country cannot export weapons to conflict zones such as Ukraine, but in 2025 Bern promised that at least 30% of weapons would be purchased from Europe.
Switzerland has also begun security talks with the EU.
Predatory tariff
The imposition of a 39% tariff on Swiss exports, including luxury watches and Nespresso capsules, became the harshest among developed countries. For comparison, the tariff for EU countries is set at 15%.
The idea of buying F-35s was considered a goodwill gesture in negotiations with the US. However, the purchase is now in question. Nevertheless, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter during her emergency visit to Washington. The State Department reported that both sides "reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defense cooperation" during the talks.
The increased US tariffs came into effect on August 7. The highest rate was set for Brazil - 50%. For EU members, the rate is 15%.
In June, the Swiss Senate relaxed strict controls on arms exports. This is meant to support the country's defense industry, which is becoming increasingly isolated.
