Switzerland Seeks Non-US Air Defence Systems Amid Patriot Order Delays
Switzerland's Search for Alternative Air Defence Solutions
Background: Delays in US Patriot Missile System Deliveries
ZURICH, June 24 (Reuters) - Switzerland has started contract negotiations with manufacturers from France, Israel and South Korea for a second air defence system following delays to its order of U.S. Patriot missile systems, the government said on Wednesday.
Switzerland in 2022 ordered Patriot missile defence systems made by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin for expected delivery by 2026-2028, but the timeline was pushed back four to five years due to the war in Ukraine.
Swiss Government Response to Delays
Resumption of Payments and Mitigation of Delays
The Swiss defence ministry said it had now restarted previously paused payments to the U.S. over the Patriot system, and wanted as few delays and added costs as possible.
Initiation of Talks with Alternative Suppliers
At the same time, the ministry said it had begun talks with manufacturers from France, Israel, and South Korea for a second system, without giving details of the companies in question.
Strategic Rationale for Diversification
Security Situation and National Defence Needs
Switzerland had made the decision due to the "deteriorating security situation" which meant the neutral country needed to be able to defend itself against attack as quickly as possible and to have additional capacity aside from the Patriot system.
Reducing Dependence on a Single Provider
Strengthening Security of Supply Chains
"In addition, a second system reduces dependence on a single provider and a single supply chain, thereby strengthening security of supply," the ministry said in a statement.
Other Potential Suppliers
When Switzerland said last month that it was considering missile defence acquisitions beyond the Patriot system, Germany had also been named as a potential supplier.
(Reporting by Marleen KaesebierEditing by Dave Graham)
