Friday, 18 July, 2025
The U.S. Department of Defence has informed the Swiss government about a significant delay in the delivery schedule for Patriot air-defence systems. This change arises as Washington reallocates shipments to support Ukraine’s defence amid increasing Russian aerial attacks. The systems were initially scheduled for delivery to Switzerland between 2027 and 2028 under a 2022 contract for five batteries.
In an official statement, Switzerland’s Federal Department of Defence announced that the U.S. communicated this decision to Bern on July 16, indicating a shift in priorities to provide Patriot systems to Ukraine. The announcement did not specify how many battery units would be affected or whether the related PAC-3 MSE interceptors and radars would also experience delays.
Although Switzerland’s Patriot systems were set for phased deliveries starting in 2027, this new priority means that Ukraine will receive them sooner—either directly or as replacement stock from other European nations. This change reflects Ukraine’s urgent need for advanced air-defence systems to protect its cities and critical infrastructure from ongoing Russian missile and drone assaults. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized the strategic importance of increasing domestic weapons production, aiming for 50% self-reliance within six months, an increase from around 40%.
Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, confirmed that preparations are underway to expedite the transfer of Patriot systems to Ukraine. He noted that NATO is coordinating closely with Germany to accelerate deployment. Germany, one of the largest operators of Patriot systems in NATO, has reportedly offered two batteries for Ukraine and plans to replenish its own stock from U.S. production lines. The U.S. aims to enable European allies to replace donated systems within approximately 16 months.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in a policy reversal announced on July 14, confirmed that Patriot systems will be supplied to Ukraine as part of a broader NATO-funded military support package. European nations are expected to finance these procurements while the U.S. will gradually replenish its own reserves.
The Patriot system remains one of the few air-defence platforms capable of intercepting ballistic and hypersonic missiles—threats that Ukraine frequently faces from Russian forces. Analysts have raised concerns about current stock limitations, estimating that fewer than ten batteries are actively deployed in Ukraine despite the pressing need.
The U.S. Army is reportedly expanding its Patriot operational capacity domestically from 15 to 18 battalions and has recently requested $1.3 billion to increase PAC-3 missile production. However, demand from Ukraine and NATO allies continues to exceed supply.
For Switzerland, this delay disrupts its multi-billion-dollar Air2030 BODLUV modernization program, leaving its national air-defence capability incomplete. Swiss officials have acknowledged that talks are ongoing to clarify the timeline and extent of the disruption.
Meanwhile, Kyiv is preparing to receive its enhanced air defence within weeks, providing much-needed protection amid heavy Russian drone and missile strikes. NATO allies will continue to meet to coordinate further deliveries and strategic replenishments.
