Switzerland Weighs Joint Air Force Framework With Austria as F-35 Costs Spark Political Pushback
Switzerland is weighing a cooperative air-defense model with Austria and France as critics argue the planned F-35 acquisition is overpriced and ill-suited for modern drone-era threats.
A political debate in Switzerland has intensified over whether the country should integrate parts of its air-defense role with partners such as Austria and France, rather than proceed with the costly acquisition of American F-35 fighter jets — a core element of the government’s defense modernization plan.
The discussion gained momentum after strategy expert Mauro Mantovani publicly floated the idea of transferring Swiss airspace protection to France. The Swiss Social Democratic Party (SP) has now echoed the concept, calling the creation of a multinational air-defense structure “conceivable” and financially justified.
According to their position paper, forming shared defense focal points could both reduce financial burden and increase practical security effectiveness. The SP argues that ultra-expensive fifth-generation fighters are not aligned with emerging threat models.
Defense Minister Martin Pfister, from the “Die Mitte” party, maintains a firm stance supporting the purchase of at least 30 F-35 aircraft, describing the deal as indispensable and lacking any viable alternative.
Different Visions of Future Air Defense
The SP contends that the F-35 procurement is poorly adapted to new warfare conditions — specifically the rise of drone swarms, electronic warfare, and low-cost missile attacks. SP parliamentary co-leader Samira Marti stressed that Switzerland must “gear the protection of our airspace toward realistic scenarios,” citing hybrid threats, slow-flying drones, and cheap munitions.
Instead of F-35s, the SP proposes emphasizing:
- detection and early warning systems
- electronic jamming
- ground-to-air mobile batteries
- “light fighter jets” optimized for intercepting drones and slow targets
They cite Austria’s acquisition of the Leonardo M-346FA as an example of a more “agile and cost-effective” platform.
Joint Defense as a Workaround
The SP proposal would have Switzerland share high-performance fighter coverage with trusted European partners, relying on:
- France (NATO member with advanced fighter capability)
- Austria (neutral state with whom Switzerland already cooperates operationally)
This approach aims to avoid sole reliance on national air policing with F-35s.
Cost Controversy
The projected expense of Switzerland’s air defense upgrade — now approaching 9 billion CHF — has become a flashpoint. The SP calls the plan a “billion-franc grave,” arguing that national-solo defense is outdated and that neutrality should evolve toward European cooperative defense frameworks.
Minister Pfister, however, insists that Switzerland must prevent capability gaps in ammunition, systems, and infrastructure — and still intends to present a final procurement roadmap by the end of November.
Austria’s Cautious Response
Vienna has taken a restrained diplomatic posture. The Austrian Ministry of Defense reiterated that protecting national airspace “must and will always” remain an independent capability — yet simultaneously endorsed deeper European defense coordination to improve cost-efficiency and interoperability. Austria noted ongoing cooperation with Switzerland, including joint air-security support during security operations at the World Economic Forum in Davos and shared membership in the European Sky Shield Initiative.
