Switzerland is exploring alternative air defense options after delays impacted deliveries of the MIM-104 Patriot missile defense system.
Swiss media reports, citing procurement agency spokesperson Kaj-Gunnar Sievert, state that five manufacturers from Germany, France, Israel, and South Korea have been approached for information regarding possible systems.
The country’s defense procurement authority is expected to assess the submitted proposals after responses are delivered by the end of May.
Renewed Interest in SAMP/T
While the names of the companies remain undisclosed, industry observers believe Eurosam is among those contacted, offering the SAMP/T platform.
Bern originally chose the Patriot system instead of SAMP/T in 2021, but ongoing delays may reopen consideration for the European solution as either a replacement or complementary capability.
In February, the Thales-MBDA consortium reportedly assured Swiss officials that SAMP/T deliveries could be completed by 2029 — close to the Patriot program’s initial schedule.
Switzerland has already committed approximately 700 million Swiss francs ($905 million) as an upfront payment for five Patriot units, though deliveries have reportedly slipped by four to five years due to supply pressures linked to the conflict in Ukraine.
Potential Alternatives
Among the likely candidates are Diehl Defence with the IRIS-T SLM and Hanwha Aerospace offering the Cheongung II.
Israeli contenders are expected to include Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries. Rafael jointly developed the David’s Sling alongside Raytheon, while Israel Aerospace Industries collaborated with Boeing on the Arrow missile defense system series.
