The Swiss Times' front page stated that the price of the F-35 will not be determined before the final contract between Switzerland and the United States is signed to purchase the American F-35 fighter jets.
The city of Bern still does not know how much its fighter jets will cost.
Only after the U.S. government signs a contract with Lockheed Martin will their prices be determined. Switzerland did sign a first contract in 2022, but this contract was signed between the White House and the Federal Council.
As for the second contract expected to be signed this summer, the U.S. government acts as an intermediary. Washington cannot bear potential additional costs — the law prohibits it from passing these costs on to American taxpayers. That said, Bern has supervisory authority over the second contract. Will it use this right?
The newspaper satirized the situation with a cartoon, in which a Swiss official says, "Extra costs for military purchases should not exceed 39%" (the 39% tariff the U.S. federal government imposes on Switzerland).
The Russia-Ukraine war has made the world aware of Switzerland's so-called "neutral country" status.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1840930873924620/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.