At Eurosatory, the major arms fair in Paris, Franco-Italian manufacturer Eurosam said it could deliver its SAMP-T long-range air defense system within 36 months. “If Switzerland places an order in 2026, we could begin deliveries in 2028 and 2029,” Cyprien Canivenc, a member of Eurosam’s executive management, told Swiss public broadcaster RTS.
The Swiss government has been considering the purchase of an alternative system since the spring. The Patriot batteries ordered from the United States have been postponed, possibly until 2035, leaving Switzerland without protection against ballistic or cruise missile threats during the delay.
The Patriot order is also expected to cost considerably more than the initially agreed price of CHF2 billion. For Eurosam, the delay and higher cost create an opportunity to present SAMP-T as a faster and more predictable option.
Canivenc pointed to pricing as a difference with the United States: “Eurosam commits to prices and has communicated these prices to armasuisse. They will be honored.”
Other suppliers could compete with Eurosam for any future Swiss order. German company Diehl Defence, which is developing the IRIS-T SLX long-range system, also believes it could supply Switzerland by 2029.
“It would be a financially attractive solution,” Diehl Defence spokesperson Henner Euting said. Switzerland has already purchased five firing units from the company, which could allow it to reuse the radar and control center.
South Korean manufacturer Hanwha said it could also supply its L-SAM system by 2029. The company is described as an outsider because it does not produce all of its missiles in Europe.
Sukdea Yu, head of Hanwha’s air defense division, maintained that it would be possible to subcontract part of the production to Switzerland. Such an arrangement would address part of the production issue while keeping Hanwha in contention for the Swiss requirement.
Israeli company Rafael was also present at Eurosatory but made no statement on what it might supply to Switzerland. Its David’s Sling anti-missile system was battle-tested during the recent war with Iran.
Despite the offers from suppliers, the Federal Council is not expected to choose a specific model immediately. It is expected to decide on the next steps before the summer holidays.
Source: swiss.ch
