| Parameter | F/A-18 C/D (1993) | F-35A (2021/2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft | 34 | 36 > 28-30 |
| Total cost | CHF 3.5 bn | CHF 6.035 bn (+overruns) |
| Unit price | CHF 103 m | CHF 168-215 m |
| Engines | 2x GE F404 | 1x P&W F135 |
Note on operating cost figures: Operating costs are based on third-party data. Since neither the calculation methodology, the exact time of data collection, nor the full scope of costs are known, the informative value is limited accordingly.
Note on cost basis: All USD amounts from US government sources (GAO, CBO, DoD) in this article are expressed in Base Year 2012 Dollars (BY2012$). Adjusted for inflation to 2026, actual values are approximately 40–50% higher.
Comparability is limited as different calculation methods are used.
The F/A-18 was maintained autonomously in Switzerland by RUAG -- software maintenance, engine overhaul, and avionics repairs could be performed without foreign involvement [61].
For the F-35, RUAG is permitted to assemble and test 4 of 36 aircraft in Switzerland (RIGI project), but requires technical support from Lockheed Martin [62]. Final acceptance takes place in Cameri, Italy [63]. Detailed maintenance specifications are still being defined [64].
| F/A-18 (estimated) | F-35A (Switzerland) | |
|---|---|---|
| Procurement | CHF 3.5 bn | CHF 6+ bn |
| Operations (30 yr) | ~CHF 7 bn | ~CHF 9.5+ bn |
| Total | ~CHF 10.5 bn | ~CHF 15.5+ bn |
Translated from the German version. See the German version for complete references.
→ See also: Procurement Costs and Cost Overruns