Bern suspends Patriot funding as US delays deliveries

Switzerland has suspended payments to the United States for Patriot air defence systems, citing uncertainty over delivery timelines, and has signalled it may ultimately abandon the purchase.

In a statement released on Wednesday, April 1, the Swiss government said the move follows Washington’s decision to delay deliveries in order to prioritise support for Ukraine. According to Bern, the shift “significantly alters the contractual terms,” including delivery schedules, payment timelines, and financial implications.

As a result, Switzerland stopped transferring funds to a designated trust fund for the Patriot acquisition starting in the autumn. The fund is used by the United States to pay suppliers not only for Patriot systems but also for F-35A fighter jets and spare parts for F/A-18 aircraft.

Defence Minister Martin Pfister said the government still intends to proceed with the purchase but is evaluating all options, including cancelling the deal. “At present, we are discussing all possible options with the United States,” he said.

The government has also delayed a scheduled payment for F-35A fighter jets until the end of March 2026 to ensure that uncertainty surrounding the Patriot deal does not affect the aircraft procurement.

The defence ministry is expected to present its next steps regarding the Patriot system to the Federal Council by the end of June.

By Tamilla Hasanova