Switzerland eyes dropping purchase of US Patriot air defence system over delivery delays
euronews.com • • nation
Key Points:
- The Swiss government is considering canceling its purchase of the Patriot air-defense system from the US due to significant delivery delays, according to Defence Minister Martin Pfister.
- Switzerland ordered five Patriot systems in 2022 with deliveries expected between 2023 and 2028, but the US delayed shipments to prioritize support for Ukraine.
- Payments for the system have been suspended by Switzerland until new delivery dates and payment deadlines are confirmed by the US.
- The US reportedly used Swiss funds allocated for the Patriot system to cover payments for F-35A fighter jets, raising concerns about the liquidity of Swiss military procurement funds.
- A formal recommendation on the future of the Patriot purchase is expected to be submitted to the Swiss government by the end of June 2026.
