Ukraine prioritized as US delays Patriot missiles to Switzerland, Pentagon confirms
US delays Patriot deliveries to Switzerland due to Ukraine (Photo: Getty Images)
The US Department of Defense has informed Switzerland of a delay in the delivery of Patriot air defense systems, as Ukraine is currently the priority, according to a statement from the Swiss Defense Ministry.
Switzerland ordered five Patriot systems from the United States in 2022. Deliveries were scheduled to begin in 2027 and be completed by 2028.
However, according to a Pentagon statement, Switzerland is among the countries that will "be affected by the new prioritization."
"It is currently unclear how many systems will be impacted or whether this will also affect deliveries of guided missiles. At this stage, no definitive statements can be made regarding exact timelines or further consequences for Switzerland. Clarifications are ongoing," the Swiss Defense Ministry said.
Patriot deliveries to Ukraine
Recently, US President Donald Trump announced that 17 Patriot systems are being prepared for delivery to Ukraine. They are expected to arrive within a few days.
According to Reuters, US allies learned of Trump's plan immediately after he announced it, and the main question now is who will supply the Patriot batteries and when.
Former US Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker stated that Ukraine could eventually receive between 12 and 13 Patriot batteries, but full delivery could take up to a year.
Trump himself claimed that the first Patriot systems are already being shipped to allies — meaning Ukraine will receive them soon.
However, the German government has denied the US president's claim that Patriot air defense systems are already being delivered to Ukraine.
