Air defence: Switzerland to choose between Israel and France

The Federal Council decided, at its meeting on Wednesday, that Switzerland's new long-range ground-to-air defence system will be produced in Israel or in France. The government has instructed the Defence Department to assess the two remaining options in detail.

For the government, strengthening defence capabilities is necessary because of the deteriorating geopolitical situation. Long-range systems, together with short-range ones and fighter jets, should allow the Confederation to respond to attacks from a distance and to counter ballistic missiles as well.

The Federal Council examined offers from four companies based in France, Israel and South Korea. The assessment covered technical and military aspects, as well as questions of arms policy and security. The two South Korean offers were rejected, leaving the Israeli Barak MX and the French SAMP/T NG systems in the running.

Next steps

The Defence Department must now examine the two projects more closely. The dossier will then go to Parliament, probably already during the winter session of the Federal Chambers, together with the message on financing the armed forces. The government is requesting an overall credit of 24 billion francs, of which 6 billion is earmarked for the new long-range ground-to-air system and for covering at least part of the additional costs of buying the American Patriot systems.

Switzerland already signed a contract with the United States for the Patriot systems, another ground-to-air defence system, in 2023. Their delivery will however be delayed compared with the deadline originally set for 2029, because Washington chose to give priority to states that supported Ukraine with their own systems. The delay has already fuelled political debate in Switzerland.

The Federal Council has nonetheless confirmed its intention to go ahead with the Patriot purchase. The government explained that “Senza un'alternativa continua non è un'opzione praticabile a causa della situazione in materia di sicurezza” (without a continuous alternative, this is not a viable option given the security situation). The Defence Department must carry the project forward with the least possible delay and the lowest possible additional costs.