Switzerland to maintain key Patriot air defense missile system components under new agreement with the US.

As reported by Defence Network on March 13, 2025, an industrial partnership between Germany’s SMAG Mobile Antenna Masts GmbH and Switzerland’s RUAG AG has been formed to support the Swiss Army’s acquisition of the US-made Patriot air defense missile system. Initiated by Raytheon as part of its offset commitments to Switzerland, the collaboration aims to ensure long-term maintenance capabilities and the development of critical components within Swiss industry. Under the licensing agreement, SMAG has licensed RUAG to perform lifetime maintenance of mast systems for the Patriot units, including the Fth 25/7 mast system, a key communications component within the Patriot architecture.
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In November 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Switzerland ordered 72 PAC-3 MSE interceptors from Lockheed Martin under a separate procurement valued at $700 million. (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)

SMAG Mobile Antenna Masts GmbH, located in Salzgitter, Germany, and RUAG AG, headquartered in Bern, Switzerland, have signed a joint licensing agreement concerning the Patriot air defense system procured by the Swiss Armed Forces under the BODLUV GR program. The agreement was initiated by Raytheon under the industrial offset program and authorizes RUAG to carry out long-term maintenance of the mast systems. This includes the Fth 25/7 mast system, which is part of SMAG’s container mast system portfolio and functions as a key communication interface within the Patriot architecture. RUAG is tasked with developing, manufacturing, and supplying components and assemblies for the mast systems used by the Swiss configuration.

Raytheon has commissioned RUAG for direct offset projects to establish capabilities in Switzerland for autonomous maintenance of key Patriot subsystems. Under the separately concluded license agreement, SMAG provides technology transfer to RUAG, enabling it to maintain the systems over their full service life. According to statements issued by the three companies, the cooperation is expected to support the immediate implementation of the BODLUV GR project and contribute to long-term organizational capabilities. Raytheon, RUAG, and Rheinmetall Air Defence intend to establish a European regional maintenance, repair, and overhaul center for Patriot systems in Switzerland. This is aligned with Raytheon’s offset commitments and local industry participation, which include expansion of domestic manufacturing capacity, technical infrastructure, and workforce skills.

The Patriot system was selected by Switzerland as part of the Air2030 program, which requires a capability to defend at least 15,000 km² of Swiss airspace against air threats. After evaluating tenders, Switzerland selected the MIM-104 Patriot system in 2022. The contract was signed in 2023 and is valued at $1,225,368,567. According to the procurement plan, Switzerland will acquire five Patriot Configuration 3+ fire units. Each unit includes one AN/MPQ-65A radar, one AN/MSQ-132 engagement control station (TOC-E), and launching equipment comprising 17 M903 launchers. Additional components include 70 MIM-104E GEM-T (PAC-2) missiles, 3 Tactical Operation Center – Coordination (TOC-C) units, five Power Pack III electric generators for the radar, six MIDS-LVT (Multifunctional Information Distribution System) units, and seven OE-349 Antenna Mast Groups.

In November 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Switzerland ordered 72 PAC-3 MSE interceptors from Lockheed Martin under a separate procurement valued at $700 million. The order was contracted in 2023 for CHF 300 million. Construction investments associated with the deployment of the Patriot system are estimated at CHF 66 million. System introduction is scheduled to begin in 2027 under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales framework. Initial operational readiness is expected by the end of 2029, and full operational readiness by the end of 2031. Of the five fire units, three will be used to protect airspace, while the other two will serve as training systems or be held in reserve. Swiss troops are to be trained at Emmen, Bettwil (Canton of Aargau), and Menzingen (Canton of Zug).

The PAC-3 MSE interceptor, developed by Lockheed Martin, is designed for hit-to-kill engagements against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft at an altitude of up to 36,000 meters. (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)

The MIM-104 Patriot system was developed in the United States by Raytheon, Hughes, and RCA. It entered U.S. Army service in 1981 and was operationally deployed starting in 1984. Initially designed as a high- to medium-altitude air defense system to replace the Nike Hercules and Hawk systems, it evolved into an anti-ballistic missile platform through subsequent upgrades designated PAC-1, PAC-2, and PAC-3. The system’s name is derived from its radar component—Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target.

The Patriot system has been deployed in multiple conflicts, including the Gulf War, Iraq War, Syrian Civil War, Yemeni Civil War, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Operational use has included interception of tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft. Israel achieved the system’s first confirmed aircraft intercepts during Operation Protective Edge in 2014. Ukrainian forces have employed the system to intercept Russian missiles and aircraft, including reported interceptions of the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missile and Su-34 and Su-35 aircraft in 2023. In Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the system has been used to intercept missiles launched by Houthi forces during the conflict in Yemen.

The Patriot system is operated by 18 countries: the United States, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, the Netherlands, Spain, Greece, Israel (former operator), Poland, Sweden, Qatar, Romania, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. Today, Morocco and Switzerland are the only future operators. As of 2023, over 10,000 missiles and 1,100 launchers had been produced. Japan is the only non-U.S. producer licensed to manufacture Patriot missiles. NATO has placed an order for 1,000 missiles, and a production facility is being established in Germany under a $5.5 billion contract with Raytheon and MBDA. Lockheed Martin’s production of PAC-3 MSE interceptors reached 500 per year by the end of 2023 and is scheduled to increase to 550 in 2024 and 650 by 2027. The company also secured six new international customers in 2023.

The PAC-3 MSE interceptor, developed by Lockheed Martin, is designed for hit-to-kill engagements against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft. It is equipped with a Ka-band active radar seeker and Attitude Control Motors (ACMs) for maneuverability. The PAC-3 MSE reaches a speed of approximately Mach 5.5 and is capable of intercepting targets at an altitude of up to 36,000 meters. Its estimated engagement range is 180 km for aerial targets and 75 km for ballistic missiles. The missile includes a small explosive warhead, referred to as a lethality enhancer, that disperses tungsten fragments to increase the likelihood of successful interception. The M903 launcher can carry up to 12 PAC-3 MSE canisters. The interceptor is part of the current upgrade path for Patriot batteries, which also includes radar and command system enhancements.