Switzerland’s federal council asked parliament to approve an extra 970 million Swiss francs ($1.2 billion) for air defense in the 2026 budget, citing a heightened threat environment and long procurement lead times. The request includes 250 million francs for down payments on short-range systems, 650 million for medium-range systems, 60 million for a medium-range radar, and 10 million for drone countermeasures.
The advance payments aim to lock in delivery slots and start operator training, as international arms markets face sharply higher demand and production backlogs stretching years. Switzerland also plans to spend 1 billion francs on Diehl’s IRIS-T SLM medium-range system and 800 million on Rheinmetall’s Oerlikon Skynex short-range system under its 2026 defense program.
The government warned that delays in securing production capacity could push critical procurements back by years, and noted that Patriot deliveries from the U.S. are already delayed by four to five years. It is now considering a second long-range system, with the French-Italian SAMP/T NG seen as the leading candidate.
The additional funding will be covered by stronger tax revenues, and parliament is expected to vote during the fall session. Separately, Switzerland plans to spend 100 million francs to harden security at more than 60 military sites by early 2029.
