A public campaign in Switzerland has taken a major step by collecting 42,500 signatures in a petition to stop the country from buying new F-35 fighter jets from the United States. This petition was created by a group called the Stop-F35 Alliance. Their message is simple: stop the purchase before it’s too late.
Widespread Petition Pushback Against F-35 Jet Deal
Political parties and civil organizations behind the petition worry that Switzerland is becoming too dependent on another country, especially the United States, for military equipment and security decisions. They also question whether spending billions of Swiss francs on these jets is the right move.
According to the alliance, buying these fighter jets ties Switzerland too closely to the United States. They feel this is not in line with Swiss values, especially when it comes to staying independent and neutral in world politics. The campaigners handed in the petition just before the Swiss parliament scheduled a debate. Lawmakers will soon discuss the same concerns.
Worries About Independence and Cost
One of the main arguments made by the Stop-F35 Alliance is that Switzerland should not be dependent on any foreign power for its security and defense. The group says this becomes even more concerning when the country being relied on is as powerful as the United States.
They refer to past events in American politics to explain why this is a bad idea. According to them, past leadership in the US has made it clear how risky it can be for Switzerland to rely on decisions made in Washington, D.C. This could lead to unwanted involvement in global politics or conflicts that do not align with Switzerland’s goals.
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In addition to worrying about independence, the alliance also raises concerns about the high cost of the fighter jets. In 2022, Switzerland signed a contract to buy 36 F-35 A fighter jets from the American defense company Lockheed Martin. The deal costs over CHF 6 billion, and Lockheed Martin plans to deliver the planes between 2027 and 2030.
Switzerland intends to use these jets to replace its older fighter planes, such as the F/A-18 Hornet and the F-5 Tiger. But the alliance says this kind of spending is too much, especially when there are other needs in the country such as healthcare, education, and public services.
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The Stop-F35 Alliance also pointed to results from a national survey that showed more than 80% of people in Switzerland are against buying the F-35 jets. This poll was conducted earlier this year and suggests that many citizens share the alliance’s concerns.
The group says this proves that the fighter jet deal does not reflect the wishes of the majority of the Swiss population. They believe that the government should listen to the people and rethink the decision before it’s too late.
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So far, the government has not made any changes to the contract. Lockheed Martin still plans to deliver the F-35 jets as scheduled. But the growing number of people signing the petition shows that many in Switzerland feel worried.
The alliance and its supporters believe that, now that parliament has joined the discussion, lawmakers will finally hear the voices of everyday citizens. For now, they continue to raise awareness and build support for their cause.