Switzerland joins European Sky Shield Initiative with US Patriot missile systems.

On October 17, 2024, Switzerland formally signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to become the 15th member of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI). This initiative, which includes 22 European nations, aims to create an integrated European air defense system capable of countering various missile threats. The ESSI’s multi-layered strategy includes short-range Skyranger 30 systems, medium-range IRIS-T SLM systems, long-range Patriot systems, and the exoatmospheric Arrow 3 system.
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Switzerland is currently experiencing delays in the delivery of Patriot missiles due to the U.S. government’s decision to prioritize shipments to Ukraine. (Picture source: US DoD)

Switzerland’s Federal Council approved accession to the ESSI in April 2024, followed by the necessary parliamentary approvals, which led to the signing of the MoU and an additional unilateral declaration by Switzerland. This country’s participation in the ESSI allows for cooperation in procurement, training, and logistics related to ground-based air defense (GBAD). The MoU establishes a framework for collaborative efforts, though Switzerland retains the right to determine the extent of its involvement. Its decision to participate in the ESSI aligns with Swiss neutrality, as outlined in the additional declaration accompanying the MoU. This declaration allows Switzerland to withdraw from cooperation if any ESSI member becomes involved in an international armed conflict.

The ESSI initiative seeks to enhance air defense capabilities across Europe, with notable recent developments including Germany’s acquisition of the Arrow 3 system from Israel for €4 billion, expected to be deployed within five years. While concerns have been raised by France regarding reliance on non-European technology, Switzerland’s accession to the ESSI aims to improve its defense coordination within the framework of NATO’s integrated air defense system while maintaining its commitment to neutrality and addressing its future defense needs.

This involvement in the ESSI also complements Switzerland's ongoing efforts to modernize its air defense systems, particularly its reliance on U.S.-made Patriot missile systems. On October 28, 2024, the U.S. State Department authorized a possible Foreign Military Sale to Switzerland for the sustainment of its five Patriot missile systems and related equipment, with an estimated cost of $450 million. This sale includes non-major defense equipment (non-MDE), such as electronic test station equipment, program sets, Foreign Liaison Officer support, international engineering services, and modification and upgrade kits. The primary contractors involved are RTX Corporation, Lockheed Martin, and Leidos.

This transaction follows a previous sale approved in 2020, in which Switzerland purchased five Patriot Configuration-3+ Modernized Fire Units at an estimated cost of $2.2 billion. That sale included radar systems, engagement control stations, launching stations, up to 70 Patriot MIM-104E Guidance Enhanced Missile Tactical (GEM-T) missiles, antenna mast groups, electrical power plants, and communication equipment, along with tools, spare parts, personnel training, technical assistance, and logistical support. The earlier procurement aimed to enhance Switzerland's air defense infrastructure by incorporating advanced systems and support equipment.

In November 2022, the U.S. State Department approved another possible Foreign Military Sale to Switzerland, including up to seventy-two PAC-3 MSE missiles, telemetry kits, missile round trainers, empty round trainers, missile skid kits, launcher station heater controls, classified and unclassified spare parts, and related equipment. Valued at approximately $700 million, the sale also covers missile repair services, quality assurance, flight test support, and other logistical and technical assistance. Switzerland plans to integrate these missiles into its existing Patriot system to strengthen its air defense capabilities and enhance interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces.

However, Switzerland is currently experiencing delays in the delivery of Patriot missiles due to the U.S. government’s decision to prioritize shipments to Ukraine. According to the Federal Office for Defence Procurement (Armasuisse), these delays affect the PAC-3 MSE version of the missile, which was approved in Switzerland’s 2023 Armed Forces Dispatch. Although the PAC-3 MSE was planned for introduction in 2030-2031, it remains unclear how long Switzerland will have to wait for delivery. Armasuisse noted that the situation underscores the importance of diversifying procurement across manufacturers and countries, as well as strengthening Switzerland's defense industry. The PAC-2 GEM-T missiles, procured in the 2022 Armed Forces Dispatch, are not impacted by these delays.