World · Europe · 20 hrs ago
Swiss F-35 jets may need costly upgrades after delivery
Finland has received its first F-35 fighter jets, but has raised concerns about delays and equipment that is weaker than promised.
The delay affects Block 4 technology, an update developed in the United States.
Switzerland’s F-35 jets are also expected to arrive with a reduced version of Block 4.
They will need an engine upgrade after a few years to use the full technology.
The cost is still unclear because development of the upgrade is delayed.
Swiss politician Franziska Roth warned that the engine upgrade alone could cost hundreds of millions of francs.
The concerns have renewed debate in Switzerland about whether to keep the F-35 order, but no decision is stated.
Swiss F-35 jets are expected to arrive with a reduced Block 4 configuration, potentially requiring costly upgrades later.
The cost of a planned engine upgrade is not yet known because its development is heavily delayed.
Swiss lawmaker Franziska Roth says the engine upgrade alone will cost hundreds of millions of francs.
David Roth has called for Switzerland to consider passing its ordered jets to another partner country and buying different aircraft.
Thomas Hurter opposes that proposal, saying it would delay delivery of further fighter jets by years.
- Who
- Switzerland and its planned F-35 fighter jets are at the centre of the story. Finnish officials and lawmakers have also raised concerns about the aircraft.
- What
- The jets are expected to be delivered in a reduced Block 4 configuration, with later upgrades potentially adding substantial costs.
- When
- Finland received its first F-35s in early October 2026. The article was published on 11 October 2026.
- Where
- Switzerland and Finland.
- Why
- The US Block 4 update and development of an engine upgrade are delayed, so the jets will initially have reduced capabilities and may need later upgrades.
David Roth
Thomas Hurter
Whether to keep the F-35 order
David Roth
David Roth says Switzerland should consider transferring the ordered jets to another partner country and pursuing a new purchase.
Thomas Hurter
Hurter rejects that option, saying it would delay delivery of further fighter jets by years.
The engine upgrade alone will cost hundreds of millions of francs.
It is becoming clear that the F-35 will be a bottomless pit, and still will not meet Switzerland’s needs.
We are prepared to bear the costs of the necessary modernisations.
The manufacturer of the F-35 has promised too much.
Finland received its first F-35 fighter jets at a ceremony.
20 Minuten reported that Switzerland’s F-35s are also expected to arrive in a reduced Block 4 configuration.
- Swiss aircraft configuration
- Reduced Block 4
- Potential engine upgrade cost
- Not yet known
- Franziska Roth’s estimate
- Hundreds of millions of francs for the engine upgrade
- Finnish first F-35 delivery
- Early October 2026
- Proposed alternative
- David Roth called for considering transfer of the ordered jets to another partner country and a new purchase
Sources
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