Switzerland considers cancelling US Patriot system deal over delays

BERN: Switzerland is considering cancelling its planned purchase of the Patriot air-defence system from the United States Department of Defense due to significant delivery delays, Defence Minister Martin Pfister said on Wednesday.

“Cancellation is always an option in the event of a delay,” Pfister said, adding that the government is reviewing multiple options as uncertainty persists over delivery timelines.

The Swiss defence ministry earlier announced that payments for the system would remain suspended until Washington provides firm delivery dates and payment schedules.

Switzerland had ordered five Patriot systems in 2022, with deliveries originally expected to begin this year and conclude by 2028. However, the United States later informed Bern that shipments would be delayed as it prioritised military support for Ukraine.

The government first halted payments last autumn and maintains that it still expects delivery, though no clear timeline has been provided.

Last week, Swiss authorities also revealed that the United States had accessed funds allocated for the Patriot system through a separate pool intended for the purchase of F-35A fighter jets. The move was authorised, according to Swiss armaments chief Urs Loher.

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Officials warned that if the fund’s liquidity drops below a critical level, projects could be suspended or abandoned, potentially affecting not only the Patriot system but other defence procurements under the Foreign Military Sales programme with the US.

The defence ministry said Washington is expected to provide further details in the coming weeks regarding delivery schedules, costs, and the implications of any disruption. A final recommendation on the matter is due by June 2026.

Separately, Switzerland is also reviewing plans to acquire an additional long-range air defence system, preferably from a European manufacturer, to complement its existing capabilities.

The government has also scaled back its planned purchase of F-35A jets, opting to buy 30 instead of 36 after a rise in costs linked to inflation and increased raw material and energy prices.