The purpose of this deal was to buy 36 F-35A Stealth Fighter Jets from American defense company Lockheed Martin. But now the question is arising whether such a big purchase from America should be made at a time when the same country is making Switzerland a ‘trade target’?
Increasing burden on the pocket of general public
In the Swiss Parliament, Liberal Party MP Hans-Peter Portman has also questioned the deal. He says that buying this aircraft at a higher price than before will be injustice to the Swiss public. He said, “After the tariff of Trump, keeping this deal as soon
Donald Trump has imposed a heavy tariff of 39% on Switzerland. This rate is much higher than any developed country in the world. This has made it difficult for Swiss watches, Nesspresso coffee and other expensive products to go to the American market. Experts believe that this tariff is a way to pressurize countries that do not bow down to the terms of America.
Tilt towards Europe?
Amidst this entire controversy, Switzerland has indicated that it can change its defense purchase policy. Now he is exploring at least 30% of defense equipment looking for the option to buy from European companies and considering increasing security cooperation with EU.
Trying to convince Trump or a strict message?
Switzerland President Carin Keller-Sater recently visited the US and met Foreign Minister Marco Rubio there. In this meeting, he insisted that the country still rests on the promise of buying F-35. But the atmosphere on the ground is giving some other indication. Now there will be a debate again in Parliament about the deal, and if political pressure increases, then this deal can also be canceled.
