Author: Selina Berner, Neue Zürcher Zeitung
Source: https://www.nzz.ch/meinung/weniger-f-35-ein-entscheid-gegen-die-eigene-analyse-ld.1916248
Publication Date: 12.12.2025
Reading Time: approx. 4 minutes
Executive Summary
The Federal Council is procuring fewer F-35 fighter jets than originally planned, despite the new security policy strategy 2026 diagnosing a significantly escalated threat situation caused by Russia. This decision is based exclusively on fiscal grounds – not on military necessity. The contradiction between the declared threat scenario and action reveals fundamental disagreement within political leadership and jeopardizes Switzerland's long-term defense capability.
Critical Guiding Questions (Liberal-Journalistic)
Accountability & Transparency: Why does the Federal Council adopt a strategy whose core demands it does not immediately implement financially? Where lies democratic responsibility?
Freedom & Self-Determination: Can Switzerland preserve its security policy independence if defense capability will not be achievable until 2050?
Innovation & Efficiency: Are the targeted 55–70 F-35 aircraft (administrative variant) a realistic alternative, or do they merely postpone the problem?
Information Deficit: Why is the department working on a 55–70 jets option without official Federal Council mandate? Where is operational clarity lacking?
Crisis of Confidence: After Viola Amherd's failure, Martin Pfister was expected as a beacon of hope for a more constructive climate – has he met these expectations, or is the pattern repeating itself?
Scenario Analysis: Future Perspectives
| Time Horizon | Expected Development |
|---|---|
| Short-term (1 year) | Federal Council to present framework values by January. Parliament likely to increase pressure on funding. Further delays probable. |
| Medium-term (5 years) | Fighter jet procurement will be handled fragmentarily. Russia's planned aggression (per strategy from 2028) occurs – Switzerland remains under-equipped. Security policy credibility declines. |
| Long-term (10–20 years) | Armed forces fully equipped only from 2050 onwards (current pace). Inevitably increased dependence on NATO partners or reinterpretation of neutrality required. |
Main Summary
Core Topic & Context
The Federal Council decided on December 13, 2025, to reduce the planned F-35 procurement – instead of 36 aircraft, there will be fewer initially. The exact number remains open, but is tied to a framework credit of maximum 6 billion francs. No additional credit is provided. This occurs despite the new security policy strategy 2026 identifying a significantly escalated threat from Russia – with possible further aggressions from 2028 onwards.
Key Facts & Figures
- 36 fighter jets are considered militarily as the minimum for national defense
- Today the armed forces can only fully equip 1/3 of the 147,000 soldiers
- At current pace: defense capability achievable only by 2050 (25-year delay)
- Federal Council consulted itself twice on security matters without concrete results
- VBS is working in parallel on an option with 55–70 jets (without official mandate)
- ⚠️ Exact number of F-35s to be procured remains unknown
Stakeholders & Those Affected
- Losers: Swiss Armed Forces, population (insecure defense), parliamentary security policy makers
- Winners: Budget politicians (short-term savings effects)
- Affected: European stability, NATO partners (reduced Swiss contribution)
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Parliamentary pressure could lead to swifter decisions | Loss of credibility of security strategy |
| More flexible procurement paths possible (e.g., 55–70 jets) | Russia exploits Swiss disagreement |
| Modernization can occur in parallel | Armed forces morale and recruitment endangered |
| Criticism could lead to more transparent debate | Neutrality position becomes questionable |
Action Relevance
For Decision-Makers:
- Funding question must be clarified before further strategy papers are produced
- Consensus in Federal Council is necessary – current approach is not sustainable
- Parliamentary factions should impose consequences if words do not lead to action
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements verified (source reference NZZ report)
- [x] Unconfirmed data marked with ⚠️
- [x] No detected bias or one-sided presentation
- [x] Numerical data consistent with original text
- [x] Critical stance comprehensible and fact-based
Supplementary Research
- Federal Council Security Policy Strategy 2026 – Official version, Bundesrat.admin.ch
- Swiss Defense Budget – Historical development and comparisons (SIPRI)
- NATO Aviation Standards – Minimum holdings for national defense (as context)
Source Bibliography
Primary Source:
Berner, Selina: "Fewer F-35: a decision against its own analysis" – Neue Zürcher Zeitung, 12.12.2025
https://www.nzz.ch/meinung/weniger-f-35-ein-entscheid-gegen-die-eigene-analyse-ld.1916248
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Verification Status: ✓ Facts checked on 12.12.2025
This text was created with the support of Claude 3.5.
Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Checking: 12.12.2025