Switzerland seeks Patriot replacement due to delays in deliveries from the US

Switzerland has begun looking for additional air defense systems due to uncertainty over the timing of deliveries of the American Patriot. The country is already in talks with manufacturers from France, Israel and South Korea.

Reuters reports this.

Back in 2022, Switzerland ordered American Patriot systems, expecting to receive them in 2026-2028. However, due to the growing demand for air defense systems and the war in Ukraine, the delivery dates were postponed by another four to five years.

Despite this, the Swiss Ministry of Defense announced that it has resumed payments under the contract with the US and hopes to receive the first systems as early as 2027.

At the same time, Bern does not want to depend on just one supplier. That is why the authorities have begun negotiations to purchase a second air defense system, which could complement the Patriot or become an alternative in the event of further delays.

It is not officially known which system Switzerland is considering. However, Armaments Director Urs Loehr clarified that it is not about the Israeli Arrow complex.

Defense Minister Martin Pfister noted that the new system will likely cost more than the Patriots ordered, for which the country has already allocated about 2 billion Swiss francs.

The Ministry of Defense explained that the decision is related to the growing security risks in Europe. In addition, the presence of several air defense systems will reduce dependence on a single manufacturer and make the supply of weapons more reliable.

Previously, Germany was also mentioned among the potential suppliers of new missile defense equipment for Switzerland.