Switzerland May Cancel $9.1 Billion F-35 Fighter Jet Deal with US After Trump’s Tariff Move

Switzerland is now seriously thinking about cancelling its massive $9.1 billion deal to buy 36 American-made F-35 fighter jets. This major rethink comes after former US President Donald Trump announced a sharp 39% tariff on certain European goods, including Swiss products. The new tariffs have caused concern in many European countries, especially Switzerland, which sees this move as unfair and harmful to trade relations.

The deal for the F-35 jets was signed in 2022 after Switzerland selected the American aircraft over French Rafale, German Eurofighter, and others. The choice sparked political debate at the time, as many Swiss citizens and lawmakers questioned whether the expensive jets were needed for a country that has not been at war in over 200 years.

Now, with the new US tariffs hitting Swiss exports, pressure is growing within Switzerland to respond strongly. Some lawmakers have openly said that if the US treats Switzerland unfairly in trade, then Switzerland should reconsider buying US military equipment. Cancelling the F-35 order is being seen as one of the possible countermeasures.

The Swiss government has said it is currently reviewing the situation and will take decisions that best serve the country’s interests. There is no final decision yet, but if Switzerland walks away from the F-35 deal, it would send a strong message to Washington and may even lead to wider tensions between the US and Europe over trade and defence.

The F-35 jets were expected to be delivered to Switzerland between 2027 and 2030. If the deal is cancelled, Switzerland may go back to looking at European fighter jets like the Rafale or Eurofighter, which had been in the running earlier.

This situation highlights how political and trade decisions can directly impact defence deals and long-term international partnerships.