Swiss officials visited the Lockheed Martin production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, on Monday, a move seen as an attempt to quell growing criticism over the multi‑billion‑franc F‑35 fighter‑jet procurement. The delegation, which included senior members of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), arrived amid accusations that the original purchase contract was marred by procedural irregularities and that the final price far exceeds initial estimates.
Background to the scandal
Switzerland’s decision to acquire the United States‑made F‑35 joint‑strike fighter has become the country’s most prominent defence controversy in recent years. Critics argue that the procurement process lacked sufficient parliamentary oversight and that the cost‑benefit analysis was inadequate for a neutral, defensively‑oriented military. Opposition parties and several members of the National Council have called for a full audit, alleging that the deal may have been influenced by undisclosed lobbying and that the final price is significantly higher than the figures presented to the Federal Council in 2020.
According to NZZ, the controversy intensified after a series of investigative reports highlighted possible irregularities in the bidding process and raised questions about the transparency of the negotiations with Lockheed Martin. The scandal has triggered protests in Bern and prompted calls for the resignation of key officials involved in the purchase, including the head of the procurement office.
Texas visit and its purpose
The Swiss delegation’s itinerary focused on the final assembly line where the F‑35’s airframe, avionics and weapons integration are completed. Officials were given a guided tour of the production hall, observed quality‑control procedures, and met with senior engineers to discuss delivery schedules and lifecycle support.
"The Swiss delegation toured the F‑35 assembly line in Texas, seeking first‑hand insight into the aircraft’s production," the report noted.
While the visit was presented as a routine technical assessment, analysts interpret it as a political gesture aimed at demonstrating due diligence. By observing the manufacturing process directly, Swiss officials hope to gather concrete data that can be used to answer parliamentary inquiries and reassure the public that the procurement is justified.
Swiss media outlets have reported that the delegation also reviewed the aircraft’s maintenance and training packages, which are integral to the overall cost of the programme. The officials are expected to compile a detailed report for the Federal Council and the parliamentary defence committee upon their return.
Political fallout and next steps
The trip does not appear to have resolved the underlying tensions. Opposition leader Roger Köppel (Swiss People’s Party) warned that a single site visit cannot substitute for a comprehensive parliamentary inquiry. Meanwhile, the governing coalition, led by Federal Councillor Viola Amherd, maintains that the procurement follows all legal requirements and that the F‑35 remains the best option for Switzerland’s air‑defence needs.
Parliament is scheduled to hold a special session next month to debate the procurement’s compliance with the federal procurement law. Should the committee find procedural breaches, the deal could be renegotiated or, in the most extreme scenario, cancelled – a move that would have significant financial and diplomatic repercussions.
For now, the Texas visit stands as the most visible step taken by the Swiss government to address public concern, but the broader controversy over cost, transparency and strategic necessity remains unresolved.
