Switzerland is strengthening its air defences
This was announced by the Swiss Federal Council.
Why the country is strengthening its air defence
The Federal Council noted that the deteriorating security situation in Europe requires the country to strengthen its defence capabilities. Long-range strikes are cited as one of the most likely threats to Switzerland, whilst the current air defence system does not provide a sufficient level of protection.
An additional factor was the US decision to prioritise the supply of Patriot systems to Ukraine, which has led to changes in the timeline for the Swiss contract.
Patriot systems remain part of the defence programme
The Federal Council has emphasised that it is not considering cancelling the purchase of five American Patriot systems. The government believes that withdrawing from the contract without an alternative solution is unacceptable.
That is why it was decided to resume payments under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, in order to minimise delays and avoid jeopardising other defence contracts with the US, in particular the procurement of F-35A fighter jets and spare parts for the F/A-18.
Who will the negotiations be with?
The Federal Council has instructed the Federal Department of Defence (VBS) to begin negotiations with manufacturers in France, Israel and South Korea regarding the procurement of a further long-range air defence system.
The new system is intended to provide a level of protection comparable to that of the Patriot, to complement the systems already on order, and to reduce Switzerland’s dependence on a single arms supplier.
One of the conditions for the future procurement is that guided missiles, control systems or their critical components must be manufactured in Switzerland or other European countries.
Once the negotiations are complete, the Federal Council will decide on the next steps for implementing this project.
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