Signed in 2022the contract to acquire 36 f-35A Lightning II fighters To Lockheed Martin by 6,000 million Swiss francs promised to modernize the Switzerland Air Force, replacing veterans F/A-18 Hornet and F-5 Tiger II From 2027. However, the apparent solution has become a growing source of national discord.
A series of surveys conducted in March and April 2025 reveal that 81% of Swiss citizens now oppose the delivery of F-35reaching up to a 87% rejection in the Francophone Switzerland. This turn reflects not only technical or financial concerns, but also a deep geopolitical malaise regarding the American technology dependence.
Tension factors: geopolitics and public perception
The opposition to F-35 is not limited to progressive sectors. Even among conservative voterssupport is warm: only the 44% of the Swiss Popular Party (UDC) and the 40% of the Free Democratic Party (PLR) They continue to support the purchase. This situation is aggravated by the current climate of commercial friction with the United States, intensified by the Reintroduction of punitive tariffs under the administration of Donald Trump.
In this context, politicians such as Fabien Fivazfrom the Green Party, they call rethink strategic decisions in favor of more reliable European partners, who also respect technological sovereignty and the values of helvetic neutrality.
Dassault Rafale: Sovereignty without Itar
The French option appears as one of the favorites between experts and part of the electorate. He Dassault Rafale It stands out for its Independence of US components (Itar free)which provides a greater control over critical data.
With a range of 3,700 km, maximum speed of 1,800 km/h, and load capacity greater than 9 tons, the rafale You can perform multiple missions simultaneously and is fully interoperable with European forces. Equipped with the RBE2 AESA Radar and the Spectra electronic war system, it offers a balance between benefits and autonomy.
Eurofighter Typhoon: multinational power with high costs
Another solid option is the Eurofighter Typhoondeveloped by a European consortium (Germany, United Kingdom, Italy and Spain). This bimotor hunting reaches speeds of up to 2,495 km/h And it has a modern architecture based on the Aesa Captor Radar and the Pirate System.
His High integration in NATO operations It is an advantage, but operating costs (some 25,000 Swiss francs per hour of flight) and the possible production saturation makes it a less viable option in the short term.
Saab flipen E: Scandinavian efficiency with controversial history
The Swedish Flu It is presented as the most economical and adaptable option. With a speed of 2,200 km/Hy, a range of 3,000 km, is designed to operate from short clues and in adverse environments. In addition, its modular architecture and low operating costs They make him an attractive candidate.
However, the memory of the referendum of 2014when the Swiss population rejected the purchase of the flu due to its state of incipient development. Although Saab has greatly improved the model, the public image has not yet been fully recovered.
An uncertain horizon for Swiss aviation
Meanwhile, The European Sixth Generation programslike him SCAF (France, Germany, Spain) and the Tempest (United Kingdom, Italy, Japan), will not be ready before 2040too late for the urgent replacement that the Swiss fleet needs.
In this context, some analysts suggest Modernize the current F/A-18or adopt a Hybrid strategy: Acquire a limited number of available aircraft and complement the defense with Advanced drones and emerging systems.
Occasion to redefine Swiss autonomy?
Cancel the contract with Lockheed Martin could mean economic lossesincluding the cancellation of the local assembly of some F-35, in addition to diplomatic tensions. But at the same time, European options offer a strategic opportunity to reaffirm Swiss neutrality and promote one more autonomous and consistent defense with national values.
Between him Rafale, the Typhoon and the fluSwitzerland has before him Technically viable and politically aligned options With a more European defense vision, more sovereign and more respectful of its idiosyncrasy.