Fact Check: Swiss Federal Audit Office Doubts Legality of Fixed F-35 Price!
What We Know
The claim that the Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) doubts the legality of the fixed price for the F-35 fighter jets is misleading. According to a report by Swissinfo, the SFAO conducted an investigation and concluded that while the procurement process for the F-35A fighter jets was "worrying," it was ultimately deemed lawful. The parliamentary audit commission noted that some actions during the procurement process were "inappropriate" but did not find any legal violations by the government.
Furthermore, the F-35 procurement has been a topic of scrutiny, particularly regarding its costs. A separate report indicated that the SFAO had raised concerns about the fixed prices associated with the F-35 jets, suggesting that these prices might not hold as initially promised, leading to potential additional costs for Switzerland (Swissinfo). However, this does not equate to a legal doubt about the procurement itself.
Analysis
The sources indicate that while the SFAO expressed concerns about the procurement process and the reliability of fixed pricing, it did not question the legality of the purchase. The Swissinfo article clarifies that the audit body found no legal breaches, which is a critical distinction. The report's emphasis on the "worrying" nature of the procurement process reflects concerns about transparency and decision-making rather than outright illegality.
Additionally, the reliability of the sources used is strong, as they originate from reputable news outlets and official reports. The SFAO's findings are based on an official audit, which adds credibility to the claims made. However, the interpretation of these findings can vary, and it is essential to differentiate between legal concerns and operational or procedural worries.
The claim that the SFAO doubts the legality of the fixed price appears to stem from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the audit's findings. The audit did not challenge the legality of the procurement; instead, it highlighted procedural issues that could affect the overall effectiveness and transparency of the process.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The assertion that the Swiss Federal Audit Office doubts the legality of the fixed price for the F-35 jets is incorrect. The SFAO found the procurement process to be lawful, despite expressing concerns about certain actions taken during the process. The distinction between legality and procedural appropriateness is crucial, and the audit did not indicate any legal violations.
Sources
- Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II procurement
- Fighter jet purchase "worrying" but legal, says Swiss audit body
- US F-35 jets could cost Switzerland 'more than CH1 billion extra'
- Swiss F-35s: Swiss parliamentarians concerned about weaknesses in ...
- Because of Donald Trump: F-35 purchase faces strong headwind in ...
