Bern, January 23 - Switzerland's procurement of the F-35 Lightning II fighter jets has encountered significant challenges with the associated airfield infrastructure projects, as highlighted in a recent report by the Federal Audit Office. The initiative involves upgrading military airbases at Payerne, Meiringen, and Emmen to accommodate the advanced stealth aircraft, including specialized hangars, simulator facilities, and maintenance infrastructure. Originally approved by parliament in 2022 with a loan of CHF 120 million, these adaptations were intended to prepare for the arrival of the first F-35 jets from mid-2027. However, auditors have identified substantial deviations from the initial plan, raising concerns about project management and fiscal oversight.
The estimated costs have escalated dramatically to approximately CHF 200 million, representing a nearly 70 percent increase over the budgeted amount. This surge stems from underestimated requirements, additional security measures amid evolving geopolitical conditions, and construction inflation. Furthermore, the report points to supplementary projects potentially adding more than CHF 50 million in expenses, which were not fully accounted for in the original framework. These overruns underscore the complexities of integrating fifth-generation fighter capabilities into existing military facilities, where specialized needs for stealth aircraft maintenance and operations were not fully anticipated at the time of budgeting.
Delays have compounded the financial issues, with construction timelines slipping significantly. Work at Payerne commenced in spring 2025, six months behind schedule, and funds allocated for the site have already been depleted. Projects at Meiringen and Emmen face at least a one-year postponement, with building permits for two bases not expected until mid-2026 at the earliest. Auditors criticized inadequate coordination among departments and an underestimation of procedural timelines, warning that further slippage could jeopardize the overall readiness for the F-35 Lightning II fleet integration.
The findings from the Federal Audit Office emphasize the need for greater transparency and refined planning in future defense infrastructure endeavors. While the Swiss defense ministry has acknowledged the discrepancies and committed to submitting supplementary credits, these developments highlight the broader challenges of large-scale military modernization programs, including accurate cost forecasting and timely execution.