Ukraine Comes First: U.S. Delays Patriot Systems for Switzerland
The U.S. Department of Defense has notified Switzerland that deliveries of Patriot air defense systems will be delayed due to a revised prioritization plan aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defenses against Russia. Switzerland will now receive its systems from a later production batch, the Swiss Federal Department of Defence (VBS) confirmed, as The Gaze reports.
The decision comes as part of Washington’s effort to support countries transferring air defense assets to Ukraine, by expediting their resupply. Germany, for instance, recently committed two additional Patriot systems to Kyiv.
Switzerland had ordered five Patriot long-range air defense systems in 2022, with deliveries initially expected between 2026 and 2028. However, on July 16, the Swiss government was informed that its order will be postponed as the U.S. prioritizes shipments to partners actively supporting Ukraine.
It remains unclear how many systems will be affected or whether deliveries of PAC-3 MSE missiles will also be delayed. Swiss authorities are currently assessing the full scope of the impact.
This is the second adjustment in U.S.-Swiss defense deliveries related to Ukraine. In 2024, the U.S. already informed Bern that PAC-3 MSE missiles would arrive later than planned, citing urgent supply needs in Ukraine.
Under standard Foreign Military Sales contracts, the U.S. reserves the right to modify delivery timelines based on strategic needs. The Swiss Federal Council has been briefed on the development.
As The Gaze reported earlier, on 14 July, US President Donald Trump announced an agreement between the US and NATO under which European allies will pay for American weapons supplies to Ukraine.Trump also announced the delivery of additional Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine.