Switzerland-U.S Defence: Switzerland has opened talks with makers in France, Israel, and South Korea about buying a second air defence system. The move comes after fresh delays hit its order for U.S. Patriot missile systems. The government said on June 24 that it wants to avoid more waiting time and keep extra costs as low as possible.
The Swiss defence ministry said it restarted payments that had been paused earlier for the Patriot deal. It said the country still wants the U.S. system, but it also wants another option so it is not stuck with only one supplier. The ministry said the reason was the “deteriorating security situation”, and it added that Switzerland needs to be able to defend itself fast if danger grows.
Why the Patriot Plan Slipped
Switzerland placed its Patriot order in 2022. The missiles were expected to arrive between 2026 and 2028. But the delivery plan was pushed back by four to five years because of the war in Ukraine, Reuters reported. Later Swiss reports and official statements said the delay was linked to wider U.S. delivery pressure and the need to keep shipments moving to other partners first.
In April, Switzerland said stopping the Patriot purchase was still an option if the U.S. could not give firm delivery dates. Now the government says it wants to keep the order alive, but also wants another long-range system on top of it. That extra system is meant to give the country more protection and less risk if one supply chain fails.
Which Countries are in the Talks?
The Swiss government said its defence procurement office received documents from manufacturers in four countries: Germany, France, Israel, and South Korea. In the latest update, Switzerland named France, Israel, and South Korea again as the countries now in contract talks. Earlier, Germany had also been mentioned as a possible supplier.
T-72 Tanks Get High-Tech Upgrade Under Army’s Future Warfare Program
The ministry said a second system would cut dependence on one provider and one supply chain. It said this would help protect supply and make the country safer. The Swiss side also said it prefers a system made in Europe, or at least a non-European system that is built in Europe.
The government said it will study the replies from the companies and make its next decision over the summer. For now, Switzerland is keeping the Patriot deal open while also looking hard at other choices.
