Switzerland is moving to accelerate its long‑range air defense capabilities, resuming payments for the US‑made Patriot system while launching negotiations with Israeli, French, and South Korean manufacturers for an additional system, the Federal Council announced on Wednesday.
According to a statement by Switzerland’s Federal Council, the US has shifted delivery priorities for the Patriot system toward Ukraine, creating delays and cost pressures. The decision comes amid what the country described as a worsening global security environment and growing concerns over long‑distance aerial threats.
“Given the deterioration of the geopolitical situation, the Federal Council is convinced that Switzerland must strengthen its air defense capabilities,” it said, adding that “in addition to hybrid threats, long‑distance attacks represent the most likely threat to Switzerland, one against which the country currently has no means of protection.”
Switzerland ordered the Patriot missile system from Raytheon and Lockheed Martin in 2022, with an expected delivery in 2026-2028, but due to the war in Ukraine, the timeline has been pushed by at least five years. Nevertheless, Bern said it cannot afford to halt the Patriot acquisition without a replacement ready.
The Swiss Defense Ministry said it would therefore restart payments to the US for the system that had been paused.
Talks launched with Israel, France, and South Korea
Alongside the resumed payments, Bern is looking for a second long‑range air defense system to ensure rapid operational readiness and reduce dependence on a single supplier.
Switzerland's Defense Ministry has been authorized to begin contractual negotiations with manufacturers in France, Israel, and South Korea.
Reuters quoted National armaments director Urs Loher as telling a press conference that it would not be Israel's Arrow defense system.
Europe has increasingly turned to Israeli air defense technology over the past decade, especially after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the growing demand for rapid, combat‑proven systems. Several Israeli systems, including the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Spyder, have been selected by European governments.
Germany purchased Israel’s Arrow 3 system with a landmark €4 billion agreement to provide exo‑atmospheric interception capability. Finland purchased David’s Sling after joining NATO, signing a deal worth more than €300 million. Central European states have also moved toward Israeli systems, with the Czech Republic receiving the Spyder medium‑range system, Slovakia selecting the Barak MX, and Romania is reportedly in negotiations to acquire the Iron Dome, which would make it the first European country to deploy Israel’s famous short‑range interceptor.
The Baltic states are also deepening their cooperation with Israel. Estonia and Latvia have jointly approved the procurement of David’s Sling as part of a regional effort to strengthen long‑range air defense in response to Russian military pressure.
Preference for European or Swiss production
The Federal Council said the objective is that the second system would offer the same level of protection as the Patriot system, and initial assessments completed by Switzerland’s Defense Ministry in May indicated that systems from these countries meet Swiss military requirements and offer favorable cost‑effectiveness.
A second system, the government said, would strengthen Switzerland’s endurance in a prolonged conflict scenario and diversify supply chains, a priority given the geopolitical climate.
The Federal Council emphasized that the choice of a second system must align with its armaments policy, which favors procurement in Switzerland or Europe whenever possible. Manufacturers will be expected to produce ballistic missiles, command systems, or critical components domestically or within Europe.
Other key criteria include rapid, guaranteed availability, proven effectiveness against long‑range threats, compatibility with Swiss operational needs, and reliable access to munitions and spare parts.