F-35 costs 'were never fixed': former Swiss audit chief

The former head of the Swiss Federal Audit Office claims the cost of procuring United States F-35 fighter jets was always likely to over-run as no fixed price had been guaranteed. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox Speaking to Swiss public broadcaster RTS, Michel Huissoud said the risks were downplayed due to a rushed political decision and a dilution of responsibilities. The controversial CHF6 billion purchase of 36 F-35 jet planes could cost the Swiss taxpayer up to CHF1.5 billion extra, it was revealed last week. Two confidential sources within the federal administration confirm that no firm price has been agreed with the US contrary to government claims. Huissoud said he first sounded the alarm in 2022. "Personally, it saddens me a little. I think it's a shame, and as a taxpayer, it's a lost opportunity," he told RTS. At the time, his colleagues at the Federal Audit Office had thoroughly examined the documents. "Two lawyers went to look at all the ...