Switzerland to purchase German IRIS-T due to delays in deliveries of American Patriot
Switzerland plans to purchase German IRIS-T anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) amid delays in the American Patriot air defense systems. This was announced on July 23 by the Watson portal.
It is specified that initially the first main components of Patriot were supposed to arrive in Switzerland in 2026, the completion of delivery was expected in 2028. However, the extent of the delays and the number of systems they will affect are unclear.
According to the Federal Armaments Department, Bern will purchase IRIS-T in the amount of 660 million Swiss francs (more than $832.5 million). It is noted that the cost of the German air defense system is significantly lower than the price of the Patriot. It is noted that with five IRIS-T systems, the Swiss Armed Forces (AF) will eliminate a key capability gap and strengthen resilience to modern aerial threats.
"This purchase is positive news in a tense market where supply delays are a constant problem as the whole of Europe places orders," said Reto Nauze, president of the Swiss Security Alliance.
Earlier, on July 19, The Wall Street Journal reported on the decision of the US authorities to reorient the supply of Patriot air defense systems to the allies so that they reach Ukraine faster. It was noted that this step highlights the difficulties with the supply of American air defense systems to Kiev, as well as other Western weapons, since defense production lines are having a hard time coping with the requests of the Ukrainian authorities.
On July 21, retired Colonel Anatoly Matviychuk, a former special forces officer, told Izvestia that Germany's acquisition of the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system for Ukraine would not change the situation at the front for the Ukrainian army.
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