Switzerland referendum fight fails, controversial $6.2BN deal inked for 36 F-35s

Switzerland inked a controversial $6.2 billion deal for 36 F-35 stealth fighter jets.. F-35 deal cleared without holding a referendum sought by skeptics. Under swiss direct democracy, 1 lakh signatures are needed to take any subject to a vote. The 'Stop F-35' alliance handed over the 1L signatures needed, but the vote wasn't held. Govt said there wouldn't be enough time to hold a vote before the deal offer expired.