Switzerland joins NATO support partnership for Patriot air and missile defence system

The NSPA PATRIOT SP covers a wide range of support functions including maintenance, ammunition monitoring, technical assistance, procurement, training, and transport. It allows countries using the Patriot system to pool their interests and improve overall efficiency.

Switzerland’s involvement in the NSPA PATRIOT SP is part of the broader Air2030 programme, which also includes the acquisition of F-35A fighter jets. A key part of the programme is to establish a long-term logistics base involving original manufacturers and multinational partnerships like the NSPA.

The NSPA is NATO’s central agency for multinational procurement and logistics support, offering services to its member states in areas such as supply management and technical assistance. Switzerland has been cooperating with the NSPA since 1996 and is already involved in support partnerships for the AMRAAM and Stinger missile systems.

With this new partnership, Switzerland adds a third collaborative agreement under the NSPA framework. The initiative is expected to reinforce Switzerland’s defence capabilities and allow better integration with other European users of the Patriot system.

Swiss industrial companies will also benefit by gaining access to NSPA tenders related to support partnerships. This could strengthen the country’s security-related industrial and technological base.

The decision also aligns with the Federal Council’s objectives set out in the 2021 Security Policy Report and the 2022 Supplementary Report, which prioritise international cooperation. Switzerland is currently evaluating further opportunities for collaboration with the NSPA, such as mutual recognition of quality assessments (GQA) with partner states.

Importantly, participation in the NSPA PATRIOT SP is consistent with Switzerland’s long-standing neutrality. The government has confirmed that it may withdraw from the agreement should any participating state become involved in an international armed conflict.

“Participation in the NSPA PATRIOT SP is compatible with Switzerland’s neutrality,” the Federal Council stated, adding that withdrawal would remain an option under conflict conditions.

Source: armasuisse.