Swiss Council Selects Two Systems for Long-Range Air Defense

The Swiss Federal Council announced on Wednesday that it has narrowed its choice for a new long-range ground-based air defense system to two contenders: Israel's Barak MX and the SAMP/T NG. The decision follows a review of offers from four manufacturers based in France, Israel, and South Korea.

The Council cited technical, military, defense, and security policy considerations as the basis for the selection. In a statement, the Council noted that Switzerland must strengthen its air defenses due to the deteriorating geopolitical situation. The new system will work alongside shorter and medium-range assets and fighter jets to counter threats such as ballistic missiles.

The Barak MX, produced by Israel Aerospace Industries, features a multi-layered design that allows operators to choose the most effective engagement method. The system can fire three types of missiles from a single vertical launcher. These include the Barak MRAD with a range of up to 35 kilometers, the Barak LRAD reaching 70 kilometers, and the Barak ER capable of hitting targets at 150 kilometers.

The SAMP/T NG is a product of a joint venture between Italy, Thales, and the MBDA European arms consortium. It includes next-generation active electronically scanned array radars and the Aster 30 Block 1 NT interceptor. The mobile system is designed to protect fixed strategic assets and deployed forces from high-altitude targets, including maneuvering tactical ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.

Switzerland is also continuing its procurement of the American Patriot system, although delivery timelines have slipped. Bern ordered five Patriot systems from Raytheon and Lockheed Martin in 2022, with initial deliveries expected between 2026 and 2028. The timeline has been pushed back by at least five to seven years because Washington intends to supply Germany with systems originally planned for Switzerland.

The Council stated that abandoning the Patriot procurement without an alternative remains out of the question. The statement emphasized the need to quickly procure an additional system to increase the protected area and reduce dependence on a single supply chain. A final decision on the purchase will follow parliamentary debates on a proposal to boost military financing by 24 billion francs.

That funding package includes six billion francs specifically for the additional long-range ground-based air defense system. It also covers the extra costs associated with the delayed Patriot systems. The armed forces will receive the full 24 billion francs if the proposal passes.