Switzerland's top security official Markus Mäder said the country should prioritize European interoperability as it weighs alternatives to the delayed US Patriot system. The original $2.9bn Patriot order faces delivery delays of at least five years, pushing expected arrival from 2027 to 2032 or later.

Mäder pointed to the French-Italian SAMP/T air and missile defence system as Europe's main alternative, noting Switzerland wants to be interoperable with its regional environment. This shift reflects broader European efforts to reduce dependence on US air defence technology, though most European nations still rely on American systems.

The SAMP-T NG variant, developed by MBDA, Thales and Leonardo, is scheduled for first deliveries to France and Italy by year-end. Denmark became the first buyer last year, with deliveries expected in 2028. Switzerland's move could signal growing European defence autonomy despite ongoing political constraints around neutrality.

Switzerland spends just 0.7 per cent of GDP on defence and faces pressure to reach 1 per cent by 2032. A September neutrality vote could further complicate procurement decisions, while the country simultaneously pursues closer European co-operation and maintains strong US security ties.