Switzerland has reportedly approached defense manufacturers from four countries regarding potential air defense system procurements as delays continue to affect delivery of the MIM-104 Patriot system.
According to Swiss media reports citing arms procurement agency spokesperson Kaj-Gunnar Sievert, five defense manufacturers from Germany, France, Israel, and South Korea have been contacted for information.
The Swiss defense procurement agency is expected to evaluate the responses after submissions are received by the end of May.
SAMP/T Returns to the Spotlight
Although the companies involved have not been officially identified, one likely contender is Eurosam, manufacturer of the SAMP/T system.
Switzerland previously selected the Patriot over SAMP/T in 2021, but the European platform could now re-emerge as a potential alternative or supplementary solution.
Earlier this year, the Thales-MBDA partnership reportedly informed Bern that deliveries of SAMP/T could begin by 2029, closely matching the original Patriot delivery timeline.
Switzerland has already paid roughly 700 million Swiss francs ($905 million) as an advance payment for five Patriot batteries. However, demand generated by the war in Ukraine has reportedly delayed deliveries by four to five years.
Other Possible Competitors
Additional candidates are believed to include Diehl Defence and Hanwha Aerospace, manufacturers of the IRIS-T SLM and Cheongung II systems.
From Israel, likely contenders include Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries. Rafael co-developed the David’s Sling with Raytheon, while Israel Aerospace Industries partnered with Boeing on the Arrow missile defense system program.
