Switzerland still hasn't determined exactly how many American fifth-generation F-35 fighters they'll order. But infrastructure deployment problems have already begun barely started, yet the entire budget is already spent.
As swissinfo.ch writes, back in 2022 when the country hadn't even decided whether to buy these aircraft, it was estimated that 120 million francs or approximately $152 million would need allocating. However, today this sum has grown to 200 million francs, corresponding to about $252 million.
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Moreover, funds under new calculations will suffice only for basic minimum of what's necessary for new infrastructure. Additional elements, including capital building renovation, will require another 50 million francs or $63 million.
Work pace has also been criticized, as at Payerne airbase they began in spring 2025 six months later than planned. Meanwhile, finances allocated for this project are already exhausted.
At two other airbases Meiringen and Emmen infrastructure deployment start is delayed by at least one year. Meanwhile, first F-35s should arrive in Switzerland already in 2027, though final contract volumes remain undetermined.
Defense Express notes we're looking at a good example that even modern countries need to invest in updating their own airfields and infrastructure for operating fifth-generation fighters. This is also a story about insufficient assessment of own capabilities and needs.
Someone might look at mentioned sums and say this isn't so much compared to 6 billion francs (approximately $7.5 billion) allocated for F-35 procurement. However, even aircraft price changes led to deciding to reduce planned volumes rather than provide additional funds.
Modern combat aviation means considerable expenses, requiring modern equipped hangars, advanced simulators, software infrastructure with corresponding cybersecurity. This is further amplified for Switzerland, which has its peculiarities regarding fighter placement, including well-fortified mountain hangars.
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