Executive Summary
Lockheed Martin has begun main assembly of the first F-35A fighter jet destined for Switzerland at its Marietta facility (Georgia, USA). This production start follows component manufacturing already underway and marks a central milestone in the Swiss F-35 program. The first eight aircraft are scheduled to be deployed for pilot training at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas from mid-2027 onwards. The first delivery to Switzerland is expected for mid-2028. The remaining aircraft will be delivered from the final assembly plant in Cameri (Italy).
Persons
- Pilatus Aircraft (Swiss industrial partner)
Topics
- Air defense
- Defense procurement
- International supply chains
- Technology partnerships
Clarus Lead
Switzerland's F-35 program is thus moving closer to operational reality: with the assembly of the first aircraft, the procurement decided by the Swiss people in 2022 is becoming concrete. The international supply chain with over 2,100 suppliers underscores the complexity of modern defense programs and integrates Switzerland into a global network. At the same time, the cooperation with Lockheed Martin and Pilatus Aircraft demonstrates the strategy of anchoring industrial offsets in research, development, and production—a decisive factor for technology transfer to Switzerland's defense industry.
Detailed Summary
The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft with emphasis on advanced sensors, networking capabilities, and situational awareness. These characteristics are intended to ensure Swiss air defense long-term. The procurement of a total of 36 aircraft was subject to a popular vote in 2022 and represents the largest single investment of the Swiss Air Force.
The training concept provides for Swiss pilots to initially train at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas before the aircraft arrive in Switzerland from mid-2028 onwards. The industrial dimension is shaped by offset obligations: Lockheed Martin cooperates with Swiss partners in research, development, production, and maintenance. A concrete example is the collaboration with Pilatus Aircraft announced in March 2025 to develop a pilot training system for fifth-generation air forces. This cooperation aims to strengthen Swiss competencies in aerospace technology and generate value creation domestically.
Key Points
- Main assembly of first Swiss F-35A has begun; first delivery expected from mid-2028
- Global supply chain with over 2,100 suppliers demonstrates complexity of modern defense programs
- Swiss industrial partners are integrated through offset obligations in research, development, and production
Critical Questions
Schedule Realism: What delay risks exist between main assembly (2026) and planned delivery (2028), based on historical F-35 project progressions?
Supply Chain Resilience: How is Switzerland protected against disruptions in the global supply chain with 2,100 suppliers, particularly in case of geopolitical tensions?
Offset Effectiveness: What measurable technology transfer results and employment effects has the offset obligation with Pilatus Aircraft concretely delivered or are expected?
Operating Cost Transparency: Are the total lifecycle operating costs for 36 aircraft publicly documented and how do they compare to alternative scenarios?
Source Directory
Primary Source: State Visit Poland – F-35 Program Switzerland – news.admin.ch, 28.05.2026
Verification Status: ✓ 28.05.2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 28.05.2026