Fact Check: "Viola Amherd knew about extra F-35 costs since summer 2024!"
What We Know
The claim that Viola Amherd, the Swiss Minister of Defense, was aware of additional costs related to the F-35 fighter jets since summer 2024 is misleading. Reports indicate that the U.S. is attempting to charge Switzerland up to CHF 1.5 billion more for 36 F-35 fighter jets ordered in 2021, but there is no credible evidence that Amherd had knowledge of these costs in the summer of 2024. Instead, it has been reported that she informed the Federal Council about these additional costs in December 2023, which is earlier than the summer of 2024, contradicting the claim (Swissinfo, Archyde).
Analysis
The sources discussing this claim present conflicting narratives. The report from Swissinfo states that Amherd consistently asserted that Switzerland would receive the jets at the agreed price, implying she may not have been aware of the impending cost increases until later. Furthermore, another article from Archyde suggests that she knew about the costs in summer 2024 but does not provide substantial evidence to support this assertion. This lack of corroboration raises questions about the reliability of the claim.
The credibility of the sources must also be considered. Swissinfo is a reputable news organization providing updates on Swiss affairs, while Archyde appears to be less established and may not have the same level of journalistic rigor. The inconsistency in reporting between these sources suggests that the claim lacks a solid foundation.
Conclusion
The claim that Viola Amherd knew about extra F-35 costs since summer 2024 is False. The evidence indicates she informed the Federal Council about the additional costs in December 2023, not in summer 2024. The conflicting reports and the lack of reliable sources supporting the claim further undermine its validity.
Sources
- F-35 Sustainment: Costs Continue to Rise While Planned Use and ...
- PDF Availability, Use, and Operating and Support Costs of F-35 Fighter Aircraft
- Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
- viola、violet、violeta这三种植物的区别是什么？ - 知乎
- US F-35 jets could cost Switzerland 'more than CH1 billion extra'
- F-35 Cost Overrun: $1 Billion More?
- S&P 500 Trading Volume Spikes at Wall Street Close
- Switzerland wants to spend CHF47 million on armed drones
