GPK-N Rebukes Federal Council: There Was Never a Fixed Price for the F-35 Procurement

Background to the Criticism

The commission therefore demands fundamental reforms: in the future, all essential contractual clauses and pricing models should be disclosed before Parliament votes on an armaments deal. A GPK-N spokeswoman stated that concrete recommendations for improving transparency would be submitted to the Federal Council.

The SP, which had critically accompanied the deal from the outset, also sees itself confirmed by the findings. Parliamentary group representatives spoke of a "failure of oversight" and demanded clarification of Viola Amherd's role. Whether the defense minister bears personal responsibility or whether structural deficiencies exist within the department is the subject of the ongoing investigations.

The procurement of the F-35 is closely tied to security-policy relations with the USA. From commission circles, it is said that Washington's pressure on European procurement partners is visible in the files, but was never openly addressed. This also brings the geopolitical dimension of the deal into the focus of criticism.

Reactions from Politics and Administration

In recent weeks, several media outlets had reported on inconsistencies in the interpretation of the contract. The GPK-N relies on internal files and interviews with government agencies. Darko Savic, brought in as an external expert in the investigation, had already pointed out risks in the contract design in the spring.

From the VBS, it was stated that the criticism was being taken seriously and the commission's recommendations would be examined. At the same time, the department pointed out that the negotiations with the manufacturer had taken place under high time pressure and geopolitical uncertainty. A statement on individual allegations was initially not issued.

The GPK-N announced that it would publish its report in the coming weeks. The commission is expected to also formulate recommendations on the future role of the Federal Council in the procurement of major armaments. Parliamentarians emphasized that the case has significance beyond the F-35 procurement: it is about the question of how Switzerland handles billion-franc contracts and who exercises control in the process.

Outlook on the Further Report

For the political debate in Bern, the report means an additional burden in an already tense security situation. It is awaited with anticipation whether the commission will demand personnel consequences beyond the rebuke or whether it will limit itself to structural reforms.

What is certain is that the damage to the image of the VBS and of department head Viola Amherd is considerable. In Bern's political landscape, possible parliamentary initiatives are already being discussed to ensure better control of future procurement processes.

The discussion comes at a time when Switzerland is realigning its security policy. Next year, a report on the long-term equipment planning of the army is to be published – the current criticism by the GPK-N is likely to serve as a reference point.

The financial consequences are also not yet foreseeable. Should it be confirmed that the fixed price never existed, renegotiations with the manufacturer could be pending. Within the commission, it is also being examined whether additional funds need to be provided for the investigation.