US Arms Purchases: Switzerland Eyes Direct Deals After F-35 Trouble

Switzerland – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – Switzerland is rethinking its US arms purchases after problems with its F-35 fighter jet deal. The country’s defense procurement chief said Wednesday that Bern may buy some equipment straight from American companies.

Urs Loher leads the Federal Office for Defense Procurement, known as Armasuisse. He spoke to the Swiss daily Neue Zurcher Zeitung. He said the F-35 purchase showed clear weaknesses in the current system. “That is one of the key lessons learnt,” he said.

At present, Switzerland buys American weapons through the US government. This setup is called the Foreign Military Sales program. It gives buyers few ways to settle price disputes or ask for payment when deliveries run late.

Loher believes direct contracts could give Switzerland more room to negotiate. However, such deals would still need approval from US authorities.

He said some parts of the Patriot air defense system could be bought directly from the makers. The system has been used for many years, so selected components are available. A top fighter jet like the F-35 cannot be bought this way, he added.

The change comes as Switzerland faces a long wait for its Patriot missile systems. Delivery could be delayed by five to seven years. Washington is giving priority to Germany.

Switzerland has already paid more than 1 billion Swiss francs, or over $1.2 billion, in advance. Loher said the country expects to get back at least part of that money. He could not say when.

Swiss officials have also looked at another air defense system as a backup. The Federal Council is expected to make the final decision.

For Bern, the lesson is simple. Relying on one government channel can leave a buyer waiting with little power. Direct deals may not fix everything, but they could give Switzerland more control in future US arms purchases.