Switzerland Seeks to Increase Purchase of Long-Range Air Defense Systems

Reference News Network reported on June 27 According to AFP on June 24, in light of the delays in the delivery of the U.S. "Patriot" air defense system, Switzerland announced on Wednesday that it is negotiating with France, Israel, and South Korea to procure a long-range ground-to-air air defense system.

The Swiss government stated in a declaration that the Federal Department of Defense "is engaged in contract negotiations with manufacturers from France, Israel, and South Korea, aiming to procure an additional air defense system to quickly enhance the capability to defend against long-range attacks."

The statement emphasized: "Given the deteriorating security situation, Switzerland must be able to quickly acquire the capability to defend against long-range attacks. The second system will help reduce dependence on a single supplier and a single supply chain."

In early March, the Swiss government announced its intention to consider procuring an additional long-range ground-to-air air defense system, prioritizing products manufactured in Europe. This system will serve as a supplement to the "Patriot" system.

The Swiss government stated on Tuesday that despite the delivery delays, it remains committed to the decision to procure the "Patriot" system. "Given the current security situation," the government "cannot consider terminating this procurement plan without an alternative system," and it is "difficult to assess the costs associated with such a termination."

The Swiss government announced: "Payments for the procurement of the 'Patriot' system will be resumed to ensure that the project can proceed with as little delay as possible, avoiding excessive additional costs."

Switzerland had suspended these payments last autumn, believing that after the U.S. announced delays in delivery due to support for Ukraine, the delivery schedule for the "Patriot" system had become "uncertain." (Translated by Zhao Kexin)