According to Armasuisse, information has been requested from authorities in Germany, France, Israel and South Korea. The agency has also approached five manufacturers as part of the evaluation process.
“Key priorities are delivery times, costs, performance and the share of production in Europe, ideally in Switzerland,” said Kaj-Gunnar Sievert. He noted that the process involves gathering preliminary data rather than formal offers.
Armasuisse expects to receive the requested information by the end of May. Sievert emphasised that the process does not yet constitute a procurement decision, and no specific systems or manufacturers have been disclosed.
The evaluation follows a March decision by the government to consider acquiring a second surface-to-air system alongside the U.S.-supplied Patriot. The additional system is preferably expected to be of European origin.
Martin Pfister said the decision reflects an increased threat environment in Europe. He cited the impact of long-range weapons in conflicts such as those in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Switzerland has already ordered Patriot systems from the United States, but delivery has been delayed by four to five years. The systems were originally scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028.
The government aims to mitigate the impact of these delays by acquiring a second system. Pfister said the approach is also intended to increase flexibility in the event of conflict.
The evaluation process reflects a broader effort to diversify defence procurement. It also aligns with Switzerland’s objective to strengthen domestic and European industrial participation in defence programmes.
Source: swissinfo.ch
