The Swiss Ministry of Defence announced on 17/7 that it had received notification from Washington indicating that the US would be "reprioritizing" the transfer of Patriot air defense systems to support Ukraine. "This also affects Switzerland, and we will receive the systems later than planned," the ministry stated.
Swiss officials added that the US wants to prioritize deliveries to countries already providing aid to Ukraine to quickly replenish their depleted arsenals. "Germany has decided to transfer two more of its Patriot systems to Ukraine," the Swiss Ministry of Defence said.
Switzerland ordered 5 Patriot systems in 2022, with delivery initially scheduled for 2026-2028.
"It is unclear how many systems will be affected or if the missile delivery schedule will also change. We cannot yet comment on the exact timing or other impacts on Switzerland. This information is currently being clarified," the Swiss Ministry of Defence added.
 |
A Patriot missile launcher deployed by the US in Poland in September 2024. Photo: US Army |
A Patriot missile launcher deployed by the US in Poland in September 2024. Photo: US Army
Last year, the US also delayed the delivery of PAC-3 MSE missiles, the most advanced component of the Patriot system, to Switzerland to prioritize support for Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump announced on 14/7 an agreement for indirect arms transfers to Ukraine, where European NATO members would purchase weapons from Washington to provide to Kyiv. Several European countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, have expressed their willingness to buy US weapons for transfer to Ukraine.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated last week that Germany initially had 12 Patriot systems but now only has 6 in service. Three have been provided to Ukraine, two are leased to Poland, and one battery is undergoing maintenance.
The Patriot system is the most expensive weapon the US and its allies have provided to Ukraine. Each system costs nearly 1.1 billion USD, with missiles costing 690 million USD and other components around 400 million USD. Ukraine's Patriot systems are equipped with the most advanced PAC-3 MSE missiles produced by the US.
US media reported in May, citing unnamed officials, that Ukraine possesses at least 8 Patriot systems, with 6 operational and two under repair. Ukraine has repeatedly praised the effectiveness of the Patriot system, emphasizing it as the only weapon capable of countering Russia's Kinzhal hypersonic and Iskander-M tactical ballistic missiles.
However, the Patriot's intercept rate in Ukraine is reportedly declining due to dwindling missile and launcher supplies, with several batteries also targeted and destroyed by Russia. Colonel Yuri Ignat, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force Command, acknowledged that Russia is constantly upgrading its Iskander-M ballistic missiles, making the Patriot system "less effective than desired."
Pham Giang (AFP)
