The attitude to the fighter jet F-35 tilts

Switzerland buys a total of 36 F-35 fighter jets for CHF 6 billion at the American Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Switzerland has already transferred around CHF 700 million for the initial services. The United States is expected to deliver the first aircraft from 2027 to 2030. The F-35 is intended to gradually replace the aged F/A-18 and Tiger fighting jets from the Swiss army.

The foundation stone laid the foundation stone in autumn 2020. With a wafer-thin majority of 50.1 percent yes, it was in favor of buying new fighter jets. Only 8670 votes was made.

The survey was carried out between March 19 and 23 in cooperation with the Demoscope Social Research Institute. 13,799 people took part. The survey is representative of German and Western Switzerland (more on the methodology at the end of the article).

The most important findings from the survey:

Majority against purchase

The evaluation shows that a clear majority rejects the purchase of the f-35 fighter jet under the given circumstances. 81 percent are more or completely against it. Only a minority of 13 percent is completely for this.

There is only one striking difference between the two language regions: the purchase of the combat pilot is even more rejected in western Switzerland than in German -speaking Switzerland. And by seven percentage points.

Also striking: the opinions are made. Of the 13,799 participants, only 46 people « do not know » or « no answer » selected.

Arguments against the purchase of the F-35

The survey participants, who rather reject the purchase of the F-35 completely or completely, were able to evaluate common reasons against procurement. The strongest approval was given to the argument that Switzerland should not make itself dependent on the United States under the leadership of Trump. 98 percent of those surveyed agreed or fully agreed.

Immediately behind it follows an argument that is also not directly related to the current geopolitical situation. The attitude that concluded contracts must be observed comes to a value of 91 percent approval (rather and fully).

There is also a high level of consent that supports the current financial situation of the federal government (85 percent) and the protection of Swiss security (87 percent).

The argument that there is no alternative to the F-35 fighter jet and therefore must be recorded at the purchase is the only one to achieve an approval of less than 70 percent (rather and fully).

Opinion changed since Trump

The following graphic illustrates how much Donald Trump’s behavior can influence the views of individuals. Viewed through both language regions, almost every second questioned is more skeptical about the purchase of the F-35 than before. In western Switzerland, the value with 35 percent consent is significantly lower than that of German -Swiss participants (51 percent).

70 percent of the respondents are more or fully agreed that it doesn’t matter how fighter jets will continue as long as Donald Trump does not do business. The statement that Switzerland should procure another-European-fighter jet instead of the American F-35.

Interesting: The largest rejection is given the reason that Switzerland does not need any new fighter jets. 60 percent of the respondents are more likely to agree on this statement. The conclusion is clear: Switzerland needs new fighter jets, but should refrain from a deal with the USA.

Swiss security situation

At the end of the survey, the respondents were able to state the Swiss security situation in their eyes since Donald Trump started his second term as US President.

A majority believes that the security situation has deteriorated. Seen throughout Switzerland, almost every third takes the view that the situation has even worsened.