Fact Check: Viola Amherd hid F-35 cost increases from the Federal Council!

Fact Check: Viola Amherd hid F-35 cost increases from the Federal Council!

Published June 20, 2025
i
VERDICT
Needs Research

# Fact Check: "Viola Amherd hid F-35 cost increases from the Federal Council!" ## What We Know The claim that Swiss Defense Minister Viola Amherd con...

Fact Check: "Viola Amherd hid F-35 cost increases from the Federal Council!"

What We Know

The claim that Swiss Defense Minister Viola Amherd concealed cost increases associated with the F-35 fighter jets from the Federal Council is based on reports suggesting that she was aware of these additional costs as early as summer 2024 but only informed the Federal Council in December of the same year (Swissinfo). This situation arises in the context of the F-35 program, which has faced significant cost overruns and delays. According to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the total procurement costs of the F-35 program have increased by $13.4 billion since 2019, primarily due to extended delivery schedules and additional capabilities being added to the aircraft (GAO Report).

Furthermore, the GAO has indicated that the cost reporting mechanisms for the F-35 do not adequately explain the reasons for cost growth, which has led to a lack of transparency regarding escalating costs (GAO Report). This lack of clarity may contribute to perceptions that information is being withheld.

Analysis

The assertion that Amherd hid cost increases hinges on the timing of her communication with the Federal Council. If she indeed knew about the cost increases in summer 2024 and delayed informing the council until December, this could be interpreted as a lack of transparency. However, the context of defense procurement often involves complex negotiations and assessments, which may delay the dissemination of information.

The sources reporting on this claim vary in reliability. The Swissinfo article cites research conducted by Gafner, which suggests Amherd's knowledge and timing of disclosure. However, it does not provide direct evidence of intent to conceal information. The GAO reports (source-1, source-2) are credible and provide a broader context regarding the F-35 program's cost issues, but they do not directly address Amherd's actions or motivations.

The credibility of the claim also depends on the interpretation of "hiding" information. In bureaucratic processes, delays in communication can occur for various reasons, including the need for further analysis or confirmation of data. Thus, while there may be a factual basis for the claim regarding the timing of the information shared, it does not necessarily imply malicious intent or a deliberate cover-up.

Conclusion

Needs Research. The claim that Viola Amherd hid F-35 cost increases from the Federal Council requires further investigation to determine the intent behind the timing of the disclosure. While there are indications that she was aware of the cost increases before informing the council, the context of defense procurement and the complexities involved in such communications must be considered. More detailed evidence regarding her motivations and the circumstances surrounding the disclosure is necessary to reach a definitive conclusion.

Sources

  1. F-35 Sustainment: Costs Continue to Rise While Planned Use and ...
  2. F-35 Joint Strike Fighter: More Actions Needed to Explain Cost Growth
  3. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II procurement
  4. US F-35 jets could cost Switzerland 'more than CH1 billion extra'
  5. viola、violet、violeta这三种植物的区别是什么? - 知乎
  6. Swiss defense minister sworn in as next president - Le Monde.fr
  7. Swiss Parliament instructs Federal Council to purchase F-35A fighter ...
  8. 如何看待博主viola无故被封停账号? - 知乎

Have a claim you want to verify? It's 100% Free!

Our AI-powered fact-checker analyzes claims against thousands of reliable sources and provides evidence-based verdicts in seconds. Completely free with no registration required.

💡 Try:
"Coffee helps you live longer"
100% Free
No Registration
Instant Results

Comments

Leave a comment

Loading comments...

More Fact Checks to Explore

Discover similar claims and stay informed with these related fact-checks

Fact Check: Dear Ms. Clay,

Thank you for reaching out to inquire about these important questions—it's always encouraging to hear from residents who take an active interest in the health and infrastructure safety of our community.

1. Fluoride in Tombstone Water:
•	Tombstone does not add fluoride to its municipal water supply.
•	Testing results show fluoride levels well under federal safety limits, averaging around 0.3 to 0.34 ppm, far below the EPA's maximum of 4 ppm.
•	The EPA’s Safe Drinking Water System database confirms no fluoride violations for our system in the past decade (EWG, EWG).
2. EMFs from Cell Towers:
•	Any cell towers in our area are required to meet FCC limits for EMF emissions, well below levels regarded as harmful.
•	Although some residents worry about long-term exposure, there is no credible evidence that FCC-compliant towers pose health risks.
3. Upcoming Treatment Plant Tour:
•	The City is organizing a guided tour of the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants next week and we’d be pleased to have you join once the date is finalized.

If you'd like to keep on top of the water quality reports, you can visit the City’s Annual Drinking Water Quality Report page here:
🔗 https://cityoftombstoneaz.gov/public-works-department/

Please feel free to let me know if you'd like a spot on the plant tour. I’ll send details once it’s scheduled.
True
🎯 Similar

Fact Check: Dear Ms. Clay, Thank you for reaching out to inquire about these important questions—it's always encouraging to hear from residents who take an active interest in the health and infrastructure safety of our community. 1. Fluoride in Tombstone Water: • Tombstone does not add fluoride to its municipal water supply. • Testing results show fluoride levels well under federal safety limits, averaging around 0.3 to 0.34 ppm, far below the EPA's maximum of 4 ppm. • The EPA’s Safe Drinking Water System database confirms no fluoride violations for our system in the past decade (EWG, EWG). 2. EMFs from Cell Towers: • Any cell towers in our area are required to meet FCC limits for EMF emissions, well below levels regarded as harmful. • Although some residents worry about long-term exposure, there is no credible evidence that FCC-compliant towers pose health risks. 3. Upcoming Treatment Plant Tour: • The City is organizing a guided tour of the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants next week and we’d be pleased to have you join once the date is finalized. If you'd like to keep on top of the water quality reports, you can visit the City’s Annual Drinking Water Quality Report page here: 🔗 https://cityoftombstoneaz.gov/public-works-department/ Please feel free to let me know if you'd like a spot on the plant tour. I’ll send details once it’s scheduled.

Detailed fact-check analysis of: Dear Ms. Clay, Thank you for reaching out to inquire about these important questions—it's always encouraging to hear from residents who take an active interest in the health and infrastructure safety of our community. 1. Fluoride in Tombstone Water: • Tombstone does not add fluoride to its municipal water supply. • Testing results show fluoride levels well under federal safety limits, averaging around 0.3 to 0.34 ppm, far below the EPA's maximum of 4 ppm. • The EPA’s Safe Drinking Water System database confirms no fluoride violations for our system in the past decade (EWG, EWG). 2. EMFs from Cell Towers: • Any cell towers in our area are required to meet FCC limits for EMF emissions, well below levels regarded as harmful. • Although some residents worry about long-term exposure, there is no credible evidence that FCC-compliant towers pose health risks. 3. Upcoming Treatment Plant Tour: • The City is organizing a guided tour of the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants next week and we’d be pleased to have you join once the date is finalized. If you'd like to keep on top of the water quality reports, you can visit the City’s Annual Drinking Water Quality Report page here: 🔗 https://cityoftombstoneaz.gov/public-works-department/ Please feel free to let me know if you'd like a spot on the plant tour. I’ll send details once it’s scheduled.

Jul 17, 2025
Read more →
Fact Check: The Trump administration placed immigrants in federal prisons for immigration violations.
True
🎯 Similar

Fact Check: The Trump administration placed immigrants in federal prisons for immigration violations.

Detailed fact-check analysis of: The Trump administration placed immigrants in federal prisons for immigration violations.

Jul 15, 2025
Read more →
Fact Check: The federal government is conducting indiscriminate immigration arrests violating constitutional rights.
True
🎯 Similar

Fact Check: The federal government is conducting indiscriminate immigration arrests violating constitutional rights.

Detailed fact-check analysis of: The federal government is conducting indiscriminate immigration arrests violating constitutional rights.

Jul 12, 2025
Read more →
🔍
Partially True

Fact Check: Counting mail-in ballots after Election Day violates federal law.

Detailed fact-check analysis of: Counting mail-in ballots after Election Day violates federal law.

Jul 11, 2025
Read more →
Fact Check: Asking federal job applicants about Trump violates hiring laws.
Partially True

Fact Check: Asking federal job applicants about Trump violates hiring laws.

Detailed fact-check analysis of: Asking federal job applicants about Trump violates hiring laws.

Jul 4, 2025
Read more →
Fact Check: Viola Amherd hid F-35 cost increases from the Federal Council! | TruthOrFake Blog