Switzerland considers direct US arms purchases after problems procuring F-35s from Washington

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Switzerland is considering buying military equipment directly from US defense companies instead of relying on Washington as an intermediary, following complications involving its F-35 fighter jet purchase, the country's defense procurement chief said Wednesday.

Urs Loher, head of the Federal Office for Defense Procurement (Armasuisse), told Swiss daily Neue Zurcher Zeitung that the experience had exposed weaknesses in the existing procurement system.

"That is one of the key lessons learnt from the F-35 purchase," he said.

Under the US Foreign Military Sales program, Switzerland purchases American military equipment through the US government, leaving buyers with limited options to resolve pricing disputes or seek compensation for delayed deliveries.

Loher said direct contracts could offer greater flexibility, although they would require approval from US authorities.

He suggested that certain components of the Patriot air defense system might be purchased directly from manufacturers, while acquiring advanced fighter jets such as the F-35 through this route would not be feasible.

"As this is a system that has been tried and tested for years, selected components are certainly available directly from the manufacturer," said Loher.

The shift comes as Switzerland faces a five- to seven-year delay in receiving its Patriot missile systems, with Washington prioritizing deliveries to Germany.

Switzerland has already paid more than 1 billion Swiss francs (over $1.2 billion) in advance for the systems.

Loher said the country expects to recover at least part of that amount, although the timing remains uncertain.

Swiss authorities have also assessed an alternative air defense system, with the Federal Council expected to make the final decision.

Beyza Binnur Dönmez