The Federal Council selected the two candidates on 28 October after reviewing offers from four manufacturers in France, Israel and South Korea. It instructed the defence ministry to continue assessments of Israel’s Barak MX and France’s SAMP/T NG.
Those assessments will cover foreign and economic policy alongside military, technical, procurement and security considerations. The government expects to decide how to proceed in early 2027, after further work and parliament’s decision on military funding.
The Federal Council said Switzerland needed stronger air defences and sufficient ammunition in response to the deteriorating geopolitical situation. Longer-range systems would operate alongside shorter- and medium-range defences and fighter aircraft to counter attacks from a distance, including ballistic missiles.
The government said cancelling Patriot without an alternative remained unacceptable under current security conditions. The United States has prioritised deliveries to countries that supplied Ukraine with Patriot systems from their own inventories.
Swiss officials will continue negotiating delivery arrangements with Washington while seeking to minimise delays and extra costs. That approach follows instructions issued by the Federal Council on 24 June 2026.
Parliament is expected to debate an additional CHF 24 billion for the armed forces during its winter 2026 session. The proposal includes CHF 6 billion for the additional longer-range air defence system and at least part of Patriot’s additional costs.
The funding decision will inform the government’s final assessment. The Federal Council will then consider a procurement proposal for the additional system and any supplementary credit needed for Patriot.
Source: armasuisse.
