Switzerland opens talks with France, Israel and South Korea on a new long-range air defense system

Switzerland has entered into negotiations with France, Israel and South Korea to secure a new long-range air defense system, following delays in the delivery of the American Patriot system.

The Federal Ministry of Defence announced that the objective is to purchase an additional defensive capability that would allow the country to rapidly increase its ability to deal with missile attacks over long distances.

The ministry’s official statement said: “Given the deterioration of the security situation, Switzerland must be able to quickly defend itself against such threats.”

According to the Swiss authorities, securing a second system would help reduce dependence on a single supplier and, at the same time, increase the flexibility of national defense.

The Swiss government had announced in March this year that it was analyzing the possibility of buying another long-range air defense system, giving priority to a solution produced in Europe.

This system would be used alongside Patriot, which Switzerland had decided to purchase in 2021. However, assessments by the Swiss authorities show that delivery of the American system could be delayed by four to five years.

Despite the delays, the government has confirmed that it will not withdraw from the Patriot agreement.

According to official Bern, the current security conditions do not make it possible to terminate this program without having an alternative ready. The authorities also add that it would be difficult to calculate the costs that canceling the contract could bring.

For this reason, payments for the Patriot system have resumed, with the aim of keeping the project moving forward with as few delays as possible and without major additional costs.

Switzerland had suspended these payments during the autumn of last year after delivery deadlines became uncertain.

This came after the United States announced that some supplies would be delayed because priority was being given to military support for Ukraine.

In March, the Swiss government also announced that the US had redirected funds intended for the purchase of F-35 fighter jets to the Patriot program, temporarily bypassing the payment freeze imposed by Bern.

Meanwhile, the Swiss authorities have also revised their plan to purchase American F-35A fighter jets.

It was initially planned to buy 36 aircraft, but because of rising costs linked to inflation and higher raw material prices, Switzerland estimates that it will be able to secure only 30 units.

The latest decisions reflect Bern’s efforts to strengthen national defense at a time when international tensions and security challenges are increasing in Europe and beyond.