Patriot air defense missile systems are currently being used in the Iran War.Image: keystone
March 4, 2026, 5:36 p.mMarch 4, 2026, 5:36 p.m
The high use of US Patriot missiles in the Middle East is delaying delivery to Switzerland. Because of the strong demand, Swiss authorities have to say SRF Expect significantly longer waiting times. Instead of this year, delivery could only take place in several years. According to SRF, delivery will take significantly longer than five years.
The Gulf states in particular are currently dependent on the missiles and have asked various European countries for additional systems. But Ukraine is also relying on the Patriot system and now fears it will not receive enough missiles.
Security politicians are not surprised. “It has long been suspected that Switzerland is no longer in a position where it is supplied,” says SVP Councilor of States Werner Salzmann to SRF. With the outbreak of war in the Middle East, things will get even worse.
While left-wing voices are calling for the procurement to be stopped and the focus is on drone defense, bourgeois politicians are calling for sticking with the project. According to SRF, Defense Minister Martin Pfister is also examining an alternative system such as SAMP/T from the French consortium Eurosam. Pfister probably doesn’t want to cancel the order for the Patriot systems.
It is unclear what will happen to the 650 million francs that have already been transferred and how a quick alternative will be financed. The DDPS announces that the Federal Council will decide on how to proceed. (hkl)