Switzerland, U.S. Clash Over F-35A Jet Deal Amid Cost Dispute
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| Switzerland orders 36 F-35A fighters from the United States |
Switzerland and the United States have found themselves at odds over a deal involving 36 F-35A fighter jets that Switzerland intends to purchase from U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin. The disagreement has added to ongoing tensions between the two countries over American tariffs.
The Swiss government announced on Wednesday that a price had been agreed upon for the purchase. However, U.S. officials described the arrangement as a “misunderstanding,” asserting that the actual cost of the jets would be higher, according to Bloomberg News.
Urs Loher, head of the Swiss national armament agency, told reporters in Bern: “A contract is still a contract, as we believe. But we are now facing a different reality regarding the acquisition of the F-35A jets.”
He added that Switzerland is facing additional costs of up to $1.3 billion despite having previously settled on a fixed price.
The F-35A jets, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, are a variant of the F-35B. Unlike the B model, the F-35A is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons, offering expanded military capability.
