Claude Nicollier calls for the purchase of more F-35s

"Cancelling the F-35 purchase would be the worst thing we could do" and "irresponsible," Claude Nicollier said in an interview with the "NZZ am Sonntag." Giving up on the F-35s would be tantamount to jeopardizing our own security in the current geopolitical context of Russian aggression, which may not stop at Ukraine. He therefore advocates that Bern negotiate with the Americans, "but then we will have to pay the price for the 36 planes ." And he demands that Bern purchase additional jets at a later date: "In the future, 50 combat aircraft will be the right number for Switzerland." Questioning their purchase solely because of the additional costs imposed by the United States could result in our country soon finding itself without an operational air force, he warns.

The Vaudois, who says he is speaking in a private capacity, was an important ambassador for Viola Amherd in 2019: in an expert report commissioned by the Federal Department of Defence, he analysed the air threats threatening Switzerland and gave new impetus to the purchase of the F-35.

Moreover, in Bern, he has the support of National Councillor Thomas Hurter (SVP/SH), a former military pilot, who believes Switzerland needs 72 jets. National Councillor Reto Nause (Centre/BE), president of the Swiss Security Alliance, agrees, while acknowledging that the current political reality is quite different. In the Council of States, Josef Dittli (FDP/UR) believes the F-35 fleet must be increased in the medium term. He also demands a rapid increase in the defense budget.

Priska Seiler Graf (SP/ZH), who chairs the Security Policy Committee, calls Claude Nicollier's request a "provocation." She calls for a rethink of air defense with fewer aircraft and prioritizing the fight against drones. She also believes Switzerland should not buy the American jet at all costs: "We should listen to France and consider a European aircraft," she says.