Overview

• The Federal Council remains committed to its fixed-price contract for 36 Lockheed Martin F-35A jets despite US requests for additional payments.
• On August 11, the Swiss Greens and other lawmakers filed motions to cancel the F-35 order or halt further deliveries in response to the 39% US tariff on Swiss exports.
• Defence Minister Martin Pfister said he is open to new arms purchases from the United States in hopes of negotiating tariff relief while reaffirming the existing deal.
• Swiss exporters warn that the tariff jeopardises key industries, including watchmaking, industrial machinery, chocolate and cheese, by undercutting their competitiveness in the US market.
• Analysts say the tariff showdown and revived parliamentary debate could accelerate a strategic pivot toward deeper European defence partnerships.