Payments Suspended as US Prioritizes Ukraine Support
The Swiss government is actively considering cancelling its agreed purchase of five Patriot air-defense systems from the United States, citing severe and indefinite delivery delays. Defence Minister Martin Pfister confirmed on Wednesday that termination is a live option, with Switzerland having already suspended all payments for the $2 billion system.
Contract in Peril
Switzerland, a neutral country outside NATO, placed the order in 2022. Initial delivery was scheduled to begin this year, with completion expected by 2028. However, in July 2025, the US Department of Defense informed Bern that deliveries would be postponed as Washington redirected resources to support Ukraine.
“We are still operating on the assumption that we will receive the delivery, but we don’t know when,” Pfister told the ATS-Keystone news agency. “A possible cancellation is one of them, but we don’t know the conditions.”
Financial Dispute and Broader Implications
The Swiss defence ministry announced it would continue its payment freeze “until the United States has firmly announced new delivery dates and payment deadlines.” The situation escalated last week when it was revealed the US had circumvented the freeze by using Swiss funds from a separate F-35A fighter jet purchase to cover Patriot-related costs.
The ministry warned that the liquidity crisis could jeopardize not only the Patriot deal but Switzerland’s entire Foreign Military Sales portfolio with the US. “If the fund’s liquidity falls below a critical threshold, projects may be suspended or even abandoned,” the ministry stated.
Exploring European Alternatives
Facing uncertainty, Switzerland is exploring backup plans. In early March, Bern announced its intention to examine acquiring an additional long-range surface-to-air missile system, preferably from a European manufacturer, to complement or potentially replace the Patriot capability.
This procurement review coincides with another scaling-back of US arms purchases. Last month, Switzerland reduced its order for F-35A fighter jets from 36 to 30 after a significant price hike from Washington.
Next Steps and Deadline
The US has committed to informing Switzerland of new delivery schedules and the potential costs of cancellation in the coming weeks. The Swiss defence ministry will compile a formal recommendation for the government by the end of June 2026, at which point a final decision on the fate of the Patriot contract is expected.
