Switzerland Weighs European-Built Missile Shield
The postponement stems from Washington's decision to prioritize Patriot system shipments to Ukraine, casting uncertainty over whether Switzerland will ever receive the weapons it formally ordered from the United States.
Swiss authorities are now evaluating the Medium Range/Land-based Surface-to-Air Defence System — known as SAMP/T — a platform jointly developed by a Franco-Italian consortium under the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation, according to a media report. Defense analysts regard the SAMP/T as one of the few credible European-made rivals to the Patriot.
Manufacturers have signaled that Switzerland could take delivery of the SAMP/T as early as 2029, provided Bern commits to an order promptly, media reported.
The delays have fueled cross-party frustration in the Swiss parliament. Green Party parliamentarian Clarence Chollet told the report he viewed "this European alternative very favorably," adding that the Patriot system "will not arrive in Switzerland for years, or perhaps not at all."
Switzerland's defense ministry stopped short of ruling out a contract pivot. Robert Scheidegger, deputy secretary general of the ministry, said the government would discuss the issue in the Federal Council before making any decision public.
Yet abandoning the U.S. agreement carries significant financial and diplomatic exposure. Switzerland has already transferred approximately CHF700 million ($770 million) as a down payment, the report noted. Swiss People's Party lawmaker Mauro Tuena warned that withdrawing from the contract could trigger penalties and might need to be offset against Switzerland's planned purchase of U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets.
Whether the Patriot systems will ultimately arrive before 2030 — and at what final cost — remains unresolved.
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