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Switzerland starts talks to acquire non-US air defence system
The ministry said a second system would reduce reliance on one supplier and strengthen defenses as Patriot deliveries slip by four to five years.
- On Wednesday, June 24, Switzerland began contract negotiations with French, Israeli, and South Korean manufacturers to acquire a second long-range air defense system, addressing delays to its United States Patriot missile order.
- The Swiss government originally ordered Patriot systems from Raytheon and Lockheed Martin in 2022, but the war in Ukraine pushed the delivery timeline back four to five years.
- Bern suspended payments last year after learning of these delays, citing the "deteriorating security situation." Officials recently resumed payments, stating they "cannot consider halting this acquisition programme without having a replacement system in place."
- The Swiss defence ministry said initiating negotiations for an additional system allows for the "rapid strengthening of defences against long-range attacks" and reduces reliance on a single supplier and supply chain.
- Switzerland, which is not in NATO, must ensure it can defend itself quickly against potential threats. The country previously reduced its order of F-35A fighter jets from 36 to 30 following price hikes from Washington.
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Leaning Left2Leaning Right9Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Right
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- 56% of the sources lean Right
56% Right
13%
C 31%
R 56%
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