Switzerland looking at Barak MX, SAMP/T NG for missile defense

Switzerland has narrowed its choice for an additional long-range ground-based air defense system to Israel's Barak MX or the SAMP/T NG, while continuing to procure the Patriot system in parallel. The decision follows a review of offers from four manufacturers, based on technical, military, and security policy aspects.

Switzerland has narrowed its choice for an additional long-range ground-based air defense system to Israel's Barak MX or the SAMP/T NG, while continuing to procure the Patriot system in parallel. The Swiss Federal Council announced the decision on Wednesday after reviewing offers from four manufacturers in France, Israel, and South Korea. The council cited the deteriorating geopolitical situation as the reason for strengthening air defenses. The Barak MX, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries, is a multi-layered system that can fire three types of missiles from the same launcher, with ranges up to 150 km. The SAMP/T NG, a joint venture between Italy, France's Thales, and MBDA, is designed to neutralize high-altitude targets. Switzerland ordered five Patriot systems in 2022, but delivery has been delayed by five to seven years due to the war in Ukraine. The final decision on which system to procure will be made after Parliament debates a proposal to boost military financing by 24 billion francs.