The evaluation of a second air defence system has been completed. The decision on which model to select now rests with the Federal Council, the Federal Office for Defence Procurement (Armasuisse) said on Sunday. Until a long-range ground-based air defence system is introduced, Switzerland has no protection.
The acquisition of a second system, internally designated “Bodluv GR 2”, is intended to fill a capability gap caused by difficulties encountered during a previous procurement. The delivery of the US-made Patriot system is in fact facing a delay of five to seven years.
“Until one of the two long-range ground-based air defence systems is introduced, Switzerland has no protection,” said Armasuisse spokesman Kaj-Gunnar Sievert.
The Patriot missiles intended for air defence, which were initially expected to be delivered to Switzerland by the end of 2028, will not be delivered by the United States until 5 to 7 years later. Defence Minister Martin Pfister therefore wants to acquire a second air defence system quickly. The military and defence procurement policy evaluations of the bids received have now been completed, Armasuisse confirmed, corroborating a report by SonntagsBlick.
Several international bids
The projected cost of the Patriot system has risen from an initial CHF 2 billion to CHF 3.7 billion. Armasuisse attributes the increase in particular to a shift in priorities by the US government, inflation, the replacement of obsolete components, and the addition of new capabilities.
For the second air defence system, Armasuisse requested information from manufacturers in France, Israel and South Korea. All the suppliers contacted submitted firm offers. Armasuisse provided no details about the different systems proposed.
Eurosam system considered the frontrunner
The system developed by the Franco-Italian Eurosam consortium is reportedly the frontrunner, according to SonntagsBlick. The newspaper cites, among other factors, the Federal Council's stated intention to purchase more military equipment from Europe, as well as the political sensitivity of procuring a system from Israel or South Korea.
Such a purchase could also help improve relations with France, which the newspaper describes as strained since Switzerland chose the US-made F-35 fighter aircraft over the French Rafale.
Funding secured
According to Armasuisse, CHF 5 billion has been earmarked for the acquisition of the second air defence system. The funding is fully covered by the CHF 24 billion in additional funds allocated to the armed forces.
No additional funding from the regular armament programme will be required, Armasuisse specifies.
