Mié, 1 de noviembre de 2023
Switzerland and the USA have signed a procurement contract for additional guided weapons for the Patriot system. The 300 million francs for the procurement were approved by parliament in the 2023 army budget.
It concerns guided weapons of the type PAC-3 MSE (Missile Segment Enhancement) from Lockheed Martin, as the Federal Office of Armament (Armasuisse) announced on Tuesday. The reason for the conclusion of the contract with the U.S. government is that Switzerland procures the guided weapons via “Foreign Military Sales” (FMS). At the same time, an offset agreement was signed with Lockheed Martin.
According to Armasuisse, the PAC-3 MSEs will be used primarily against short-range targets and expand ground-based air defense capabilities. According to the information, the latest Patriot guided missile type is intended to increase the endurance capability of the armed forces. The guided missiles are to be delivered in 2028 and 2029.
The procurement of Patriot guided missiles of the type PAC-2 GEM-T (Guidance Enhanced Missile, Tactical) is already underway – the parliament already decided on this purchase with the Army Dispatch 2022. According to Armasuisse, guided missiles of this type are designed to defend against aircraft, drones and cruise missiles.
The Patriot system and the new F-35A fighter aircraft are parts of the Air2030 program. Other components are the radar and C2Air projects. These two projects relate to the gradual replacement and renewal of the Air Force’s command and control system. They were approved in separate armaments programs.
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