Federal Council to review purchase of further air defence system
Keystone-SDA
The Patriot air defence system ordered in the US has been delayed by several years. The Swiss government is therefore examining whether Switzerland should purchase an additional system for ground-based air defence, preferably produced in Europe.
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With this decision on Friday, the government is responding to the heightened threat in Europe posed by long-range weapons. The reason for the review is also the delay of the Patriot air defence system ordered in the US by four to five years.
Switzerland was informed of this by the US at the end of February. Nevertheless, the government intends to stick with the purchase of the Patriot system. The original plan was for the system to be delivered in 2027 and 2028.
+ Swiss face further delay in delivery of US defence system
To cushion the delay, the government is examining the procurement of another ground-based air defence system. The results should be available by mid-2027. The additional system should preferably be produced in Europe. This should also reduce Switzerland’s dependence on a single other country.
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Adapted from German by AI/ts
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