Switzerland Narrows Long-Range Air Defence Shortlist to Two: Israel's Barak MX and Europe's SAMP/T NG
Switzerland's Federal Council on October 28 narrowed the shortlist for the country's second long-range ground-based air defence system to two candidates: the Barak MX by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the SAMP/T NG by the European consortium Eurosam. Four manufacturers from France, Israel and South Korea had previously been evaluated by armasuisse, the federal defence procurement agency.
Switzerland's existing order for the US Patriot system will not be cancelled; the second system will be procured in addition. Under the government's timetable, a final decision is expected in early 2027.
On funding, the Swiss parliament will debate a CHF 24 billion additional army package in its winter session, of which CHF 6 billion is earmarked for this second long-range air defence system.
Long-range air defence is one of the core elements of the Swiss army's modernisation programme. Switzerland previously selected Patriot as its first new long-range system; the second system will be chosen between the Israeli and European contenders.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：位于伯尔尼的瑞士联邦大厦访客入口；联邦大厦是瑞士联邦议会与联邦委员会所在地。摄影 Hadi，CC0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: Visitor entrance of the Federal Palace in Bern, seat of the Swiss Federal Assembly and the Federal Council. Photo by Hadi, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
