Switzerland has signed a contract with the U.S. officials to buy the most advanced version of the Lockheed Martin-made Patriot missiles under its Air 2030 program.
U.S. and Switzerland officials formalized an agreement under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) for Switzerland to purchase Lockheed Martin’s Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles and related support equipment.
On October 30, 2023, the Swiss Director General of Armaments Urs Loher and Project Manager of the Long-Range Ground-to-Air Defense System (Bodluv GR), Stefan Meier, signed the contract with the U.S. government for the acquisition of Lockheed Martins PAC-3 MSE guided missiles. The Patriot long-range ground-to-air defense system is scheduled to be delivered in 2026.
Switzerland joins Patriot missile club
With this agreement, Switzerland has become PAC-3’s 15th partner nation. This agreement is the catalyst for multiple new projects that will support Switzerland’s security-relevant technology and industry base (STIB).
”This acquisition of a second type of guided missile for the Patriot system expands the capabilities of the new long-range surface-to-air defense system and increases the sustainability of the Swiss army,” the Swiss Department of Defense, Civil, Protection and Sports, said in its October 31 statement.
Switzerland is procuring the advanced air defense system under the Swiss Air2030 program. This program, which also includes acquiring 36 F-35A fighter jets, is focused on the progressive replacement and renewal of the guidance and control system of the Swiss Air Force.
PAC-3 MSE
The Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) system has been described by its manufacturer Lockheed Martin the “world’s most advanced air defense missile”.
- The PAC-3 family of missiles defend against incoming threats using direct body-to-body contact that delivers exponentially more kinetic energy on the target than can be achieved with blast-fragmentation mechanisms.
- The PAC-3 MSE expands the battlespace with a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, providing increased performance in altitude and range.
- PAC-3 MSE is a high-velocity interceptor that defends against incoming threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, advanced threats and aircraft.
- The PAC-3 MSE missile uses Hit-to-Kill technology, intercepting threats through kinetic energy via body-to-body contact.
