The F-35A is America’s most advanced multi-role fighter. It routinely demonstrates unmatched capabilities and combines stealth, advanced sensors, and information sharing systems. It is already proving itself in eastern Europe and will be the cornerstone of the U.S. Air Force’s fighter fleet for decades to come. European partners such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Poland, and Germany have joined Switzerland in selecting this aircraft in reflection of its superior quality. The F-35 will be the fighter jet most widely used by European partners by the year 2030, with almost 500 aircraft flying for European Air Forces.
The United States and Switzerland have over half a century of proven partnership with fighter aircraft and a track record of committing to transparent defense procurements. The F-35 is a 5th generation aircraft with innovative technology and unprecedented capabilities. Since its inception in 2006, it has been repeatedly tested and improved upon, and refinements to this highly complex and innovative fighter jet will continue as production matures. This process and commitment to transparency includes robust oversight of the program by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to help ensure we are achieving the program’s goals and targets, a process which will make the F-35 an even more superior aircraft. As acknowledged by the GAO, the U.S. Department of Defense has addressed – or is making progress toward addressing – its relevant recommendations. Switzerland’s delivery timelines allow for these refinements to be made so the F-35 can contribute to Swiss sovereign security for decades to come.
As Switzerland continues its F-35 procurement, which includes fixed price contracts, the United States remains committed to the transparency we have demonstrated throughout this process. Given today’s security challenges, the platform’s capabilities remain more relevant – and critical – than ever.
