If the Swiss genuinely cancel the agreement with the U.S. (where a situation has actually emerged in which one-third of the contract value has already been paid), Switzerland will have limited choice.
Besides Patriot, the world has a limited number of SAM systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. For each of them, delivery timelines remain relevant, which may not prove much better than for the American surface-to-air missile system.
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Eurosam, manufacturer of the European SAMP/T SAM system, immediately decided to make a strategic forward move by addressing Switzerland's pressing question. The general secretary of this Italo-French consortium, Jérôme Dufloux, told NZZ am Sonntag newspaper that the delivery timelines for SAMP/T systems are to meet Swiss military needs.
If Switzerland places an order today, we can deliver our system by 2029, Eurosam emphasized. Dufloux also highlighted SAMP/T advantages, specifically rapid threat response as well as requiring significantly fewer personnel to operate the system 20 people versus 90 for American Patriot.
He naturally also mentioned that SAMP/T systems are operated by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, noting that Ukraine appears quite satisfied with it so far. Defense Express notes that it was previously reported that SAMP/T systems proved not very effective against ballistic targets, also facing a shortage of missiles for them.
At the same time, for the final resolution of the ballistic missile effectiveness issue, a new SAMP/T NG modification now exists, which received numerous upgrades including Aster B1NT missiles.
Switzerland's parliament has shown interest in the SAMP/T NG proposal. Some call it interesting; others are more cautious, emphasizing the difficult situation with the U.S., as $650 million has already been paid for Patriot. Recovering this sum will be very difficult one option under consideration is redirecting it toward other weapons orders from the U.S., though the question remains whether the United States itself will agree to such an arrangement.
Previously, Defense Express reported that Ukraine was promised 8 newest SAMP/T NG systems, of which two types exist, so which is better and which will we receive.
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