Switzerland awarded a $333 million contract to buy PAC-3 MSE interceptors for the MIM-104 Patriot missile defence system

Switzerland has become the 15th operator of Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhanced (MSE) missiles. This was announced by Lockheed Martin on its official website.

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The contract for the purchase of interceptors for the MIM-104 Patriot missile defence system was signed on October 30, 2023. The deal was worth $333 million. The agreement was signed after the Swiss parliament approved the allocation of funding as part of the 2023 military budget.

The purchase of the PAC-3 MSE expands the capabilities of the new missile defence system, while increasing the resilience of the Swiss army. This was reported by the Federal Defence Procurement Office.

Authorities said the PAC-3 MSEs are used to provide defence against short-range missiles. Earlier this year, Ukraine confirmed that the US interceptor is capable of dealing with ballistic threats, including Kh-47M2 pseudo-hypersonic missiles.

Deliveries of the PAC-3 MSE will begin in 2028 and last for two years. Switzerland is also receiving PAC-2 GEM-T (Guidance Enhanced Missile, Tactical) missile interceptors. They are designed to engage cruise missiles, aircraft, helicopters and drones.

Switzerland ordered the MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile systems last autumn. Funding was approved on September 15, and the Federal Office of Defence Procurement signed the contract a few days later. Deliveries will begin in 2026.

Source: Lockheed Martin