Facing extended delays in the arrival of Patriot air defense batteries, Switzerland has begun examining alternative missile defense options from multiple international suppliers. The country’s arms procurement agency has approached manufacturers from Europe, Israel, and South Korea for technical and operational information, with evaluations expected after responses are received later this year. The Franco-Italian SAMP/T system is considered a strong contender after previously losing to Patriot in Switzerland’s 2021 selection process. Other possible candidates include Germany’s IRIS-T, South Korea’s Cheongung II, Israel’s David’s Sling, and the Arrow missile defense family. The move reflects growing urgency in maintaining planned air defense modernization timelines despite disruptions in US delivery schedules.
