Switzerland is considering a European alternative to the US Patriot air defense system after Washington postponed the delivery of five missile batteries.
The delay comes at a time when the US is prioritizing supplies to Ukraine, creating uncertainty about whether Switzerland will receive the Patriot systems it has ordered.
According to a report in Swissinfo, AA reports, Switzerland is analyzing the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Defense System (SAMP/T), developed by a Franco-Italian consortium within the framework of the Organization for Joint Armaments Cooperation.
This system is considered one of the most reliable European alternatives to Patriot.
Local media report that manufacturers have announced that delivery of the SAMP/T system could be completed by 2029 if Switzerland places an order now.
Political discontent is growing on the Swiss scene.
Green Party MP Clarence Chollet said he sees "this European alternative very positively", adding that the Patriot system "will not arrive in Switzerland for years or perhaps not at all".
The Swiss Ministry of Defense has not ruled out the possibility of a change.
Robert Scheidegger, deputy secretary general of the ministry, said the government will discuss the issue in the Federal Council before making any decision public.
However, abandoning the agreement with the US could carry financial and diplomatic risks.
Switzerland has already paid around 700 million Swiss francs as a down payment.
Swiss People's Party MP Mauro Tuena warned that withdrawing from the contract could trigger penalties and could affect the planned purchase of American F-35 fighter jets.
It remains unclear whether the Patriot systems will be delivered by 2030 and at what cost. /AA/
