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Switzerland expects first Patriot system components by mid-2027
Swiss Defence Minister Martin Pfister says the US will provide initial Patriot components by mid-2027.
The components are for Switzerland’s armed forces and its ground-based air defence.
US ambassador Callista Gingrich informed Pfister of the developments on Thursday, he said in Bern.
The US has also agreed that Switzerland can buy Patriot systems directly from the manufacturer, rather than arranging the purchase through the US government.
However, the US Congress has yet to approve that change.
The update gives Switzerland a path to strengthen its air defences, and Pfister said ending the purchase is no longer being considered.
The next step is for the first components to arrive by mid-2027, while congressional approval remains pending.
Switzerland has been told it will receive the first components of its Patriot air-defence system by mid-2027.
Defence Minister Martin Pfister said US Ambassador to Switzerland Callista Gingrich informed him of the development.
The US government has also agreed that Switzerland can buy the systems directly from the manufacturer.
A decision by the US Congress on direct purchases is still pending.
Pfister said ending the procurement is no longer under consideration.
- Who
- Switzerland and its armed forces are due to receive the Patriot components. Defence Minister Martin Pfister announced the development.
- What
- The United States has promised the first Patriot system components by mid-2027 and agreed to direct purchases from the manufacturer.
- When
- The first components are expected by mid-2027. Pfister was informed on Thursday and announced the news on Friday.
- Where
- Pfister spoke to the media in Bern.
- Why
- The delivery would give the Swiss armed forces a prospect of strengthening ground-based air defence.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
US Ambassador Callista Gingrich personally informed Pfister of positive developments in the procurement.
Pfister announced the US commitments to the media in Bern.
Switzerland is expected to receive the first Patriot system components.
- First components
- Expected by mid-2027
- Defence minister
- Martin Pfister
- US ambassador
- Callista Gingrich
- Direct procurement
- US government agreed Switzerland can buy from the manufacturer
- Congress decision
- Still pending
2 sources
What people are saying
I was surprised by that, but the information also makes me happy.
It gives the Swiss armed forces a prospect of strengthening ground-based air defence.