Swiss Federal Council unable to place second missile defence order by year-end

Switzerland’s Federal Council will not be able to place the intended order for a second missile-defence system before the end of the year, after the National Council refused to grant urgent consideration in the winter session. The defence department had asked manufacturers from France and Israel to keep their offers open longer, but the lack of a financing decision stalls the process. Armasuisse has completed its assessment and appears to prefer the Israeli David’s Sling system, though the French SAMP/T NG remains in contention.

Lawmaker Jean-Luc Addor of the SVP criticised the Israeli option on neutrality grounds. No new procurement schedule has been set, and it is uncertain whether suppliers will maintain their current terms.