Left-wing lawmakers such as Green Party’s Balthasar Glättli and Social Democrat Cedric Wermuth have called for Switzerland to withdraw from or revisit the 7.3 billion franc ($9.1 billion) F-35 purchase. Glättli described it as “a present” to a country that has economically penalized Switzerland. Wermuth, meanwhile, advocated for a public vote to stop the acquisition altogether.

Liberal MP Hans-Peter Portmann, an ally of President Karin Keller-Sutter, also voiced discomfort over the deal, citing the unexpectedly high costs and the timing of the U.S. tariff announcement. Portmann suggested halting the deal partially or fully and shifting toward European alternatives to meet defense needs.

Switzerland had already admitted to “misunderstandings” in price expectations with Washington earlier this year. The new tariffs, which affect a range of goods from luxury watches to coffee capsules, have intensified scrutiny of bilateral defense purchases.

Strategic Shift Toward Europe Gains Ground

The F-35 deal, initially viewed as a possible goodwill gesture to Washington, is now being reconsidered amid shifting geopolitical calculations. Accepting the higher price—and potentially expanding the order—was seen by some Swiss officials as a way to gain leverage in tariff negotiations with Trump. But the backlash has now opened debate on Switzerland’s broader defense strategy.

Lawmakers are urging the government to re-evaluate its procurement priorities and reinforce ties with European defense programs. Switzerland has already pledged to source at least 30% of its military acquisitions from European suppliers and is exploring new cooperation channels with the EU.

Despite the pressure, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio—currently also serving as interim national security adviser—met with President Keller-Sutter during her emergency visit to Washington, stating both sides remained committed to strengthening bilateral defense ties. But unless tariffs are eased or the procurement renegotiated, Swiss political momentum may derail the F-35 acquisition entirely.