Swiss eyeing fewer F-35 fighter jets due to US price hike

Switzerland announced on Friday it desired to purchase 30 US F-35A fighter jets, rather than the 36 ordered, after Washington hiked the price. The Swiss government also said that as well as acquiring a Patriot System, it was looking at "an additional long-range surface-to-air missile system, preferably produced in Europe".

The Swiss defence ministry currently estimated that 30 F-35A fighter jets can be procured. But they could not determine exact number until the US government and manufacturers had finalized negotiations on the remaining aircraft and engines for the next production batches.