U.S. Approves $450M PATRIOT Sustainment Package for Switzerland

The U.S. Department of State has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Switzerland, valued at approximately $450 million, for the sustainment of the PATRIOT air defense system.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the proposed sale, which aims to provide support for Switzerland's five PATRIOT Fire Units and missile stock.

Switzerland's request for sustainment assistance encompasses a range of services, including electronic test equipment, engineering services, repair and return services, surveillance programs, both classified and unclassified spare parts, transportation, training, technical documentation, and logistics support. Key contractors involved in the transaction include RTX Corporation, Lockheed Martin, and Leidos.

In 2020, Switzerland received clearance for a $2.2 billion package, which included five fire units, radars, launchers, and 70 tactical PAC-2 Guidance Enhanced Missiles. In October 2023, Switzerland finalized a contract to acquire the most advanced version of the Lockheed Martin-made PATRIOT missile, supplementing its Air2030 program. The contract, signed on October 30, involves a payment of 300 million Swiss francs (approximately $331 million) for the latest interceptor type.

While Lockheed Martin did not disclose the specific number of PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) weapons being procured, the U.S. State Department had previously approved several Swiss requests for PATRIOT equipment. The approval in 2022 allowed Switzerland to potentially purchase up to 72 PAC-3 MSE missiles for around $700 million. The PAC-3 MSE missiles are designed for long-range interception, capable of defending against missiles, aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.

The core components of Switzerland's PATRIOT system are expected to be delivered by RTX starting in 2026, while the PAC-3 missiles are anticipated from Lockheed Martin through the U.S. government in 2028 and 2029. Additionally, Switzerland's Air2030 program plans to procure 36 Lockheed-made F-35 fighter jets for 6 billion Swiss francs.