First Swiss F-35A enters main assembly; deliveries from 2027 and offset work with Swiss industry

Main assembly of the first F-35A aircraft destined for Switzerland has begun in the USA. The Swiss F-35 programme is thus reaching a further important milestone on the way to delivery of the first aircraft from mid-2027.

Main assembly of the first Swiss combat aircraft type Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II recently began in the Lockheed Martin plant in Marietta in the US state of Georgia. Production start follows the manufacture that has already commenced of the first components for the Swiss aircraft.
In the coming months, the first Swiss F-35A will go through further production and assembly phases. The F-35 programme is based on an international supply chain with more than 2,100 suppliers worldwide.
Delivery to the Swiss Air Force from 2027
The first eight F-35A destined for Switzerland are to be deployed from mid-2027 at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas, USA, to train Swiss pilots. The first aircraft are expected in Switzerland from mid-2028. The remaining Swiss F-35 aircraft will be delivered from the final assembly plant in Cameri, Italy.
Swiss F-35 programme
With the F-35A, Switzerland is obtaining a fifth-generation combat aircraft. The system has cutting-edge capabilities in the areas of sensory analysis, interaction and situational perception and is intended to contribute to the security of Swiss air defence in the long term.
In addition to the operational capabilities, the programme also includes industrial cooperations with Swiss companies. As part of the offset obligations, Lockheed Martin is working together with Swiss industrial partners in the areas of research, development, production and maintenance.
One example of this is the technology project with Pilatus Aircraft announced in March 2025. Here, Pilatus and Lockheed Martin are working together to develop a pilot training system tailored to the requirements of fifth generation air forces.
Explanations of the image
The structural component depicted (“Bulkhead”) is to be part of the Center Wing Assembly (CWA). This makes up the largest individual subassembly of the aircraft, at around 25% of the fuselage, and will be used later as a connecting element for the wing assemblies.
Air2030 – Protecting the airspace