The United States has put on hold the delivery schedule for the Patriot systems ordered by Switzerland. The postponement comes as Washington prioritizes support for Ukraine’s air defense needs.
A potential alternative is the Medium Range/Land-based Surface-to-Air Defence System, known as SAMP/T, developed by a Franco-Italian consortium and led by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation in Europe. It is regarded as one of the few credible European counterparts to the Patriot system.
According to the newspaper NZZ am Sonntag, the producers of SAMP/T have already made a commitment to Switzerland. “If Switzerland places an order today, we could deliver our system by 2029,” the paper reported.
The prospect of faster delivery is seen as significant given the risks posed by potential aerial threats to Switzerland. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum have expressed frustration over the U.S. delays.
“I view this European alternative very favourably. It is also the government’s desire to work with European partners. The Patriot system will not arrive in Switzerland for years, or perhaps not at all,” said Green Party parliamentarian Clarence Chollet.
Swiss officials have not ruled out reconsidering the purchase. Robert Scheidegger, deputy secretary general of the Swiss defence ministry, said the issue would be examined at the highest level.
“You can assume that we have asked ourselves this question and that we will certainly discuss it in the Federal Council. We will then communicate, if necessary, the direction we will take,” he said.
Abandoning the U.S. contract could, however, carry financial and political risks, particularly amid trade tensions linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. Switzerland has already paid around CHF700 million as a down payment for the Patriot system.
“I can imagine that we will not be able to withdraw from this contract without paying a penalty. We will then have to see whether we still claim this reimbursement or whether we deduct it from the existing contract for the F-35 aircraft,” said Swiss People’s Party politician Mauro Tuena.
In the coming weeks, the Swiss government is expected to clarify whether the United States will deliver the Patriot systems by 2030 and at what cost. The decision could shape Switzerland’s long-term air defense posture and its defense-industrial ties with both Washington and European partners.
Source: swissinfo.ch
