Swiss join new-generation Patriot missile club
PAC-3 MSE missiles are the latest generation for the Patriot air defence system. (Image: Lockheed Martin)
US officials have finalised an agreement for Switzerland to buy Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles.
A formal agreement has been signed between US and Swiss officials for Switzerland to purchase PAC-3 MSE missiles and support equipment, making the European country the 15th partner nation.
PAC-3 MSE will bolster Switzerland’s Patriot ground-based air-defence system as a part of the Swiss Air Force’s Air2030 programme.
Air2030 is a multi-billion US dollar programme which will refresh huge swathes of Swiss air defence including a new fleet of 36 F-35A fighter aircraft. The programme was put to a vote by the Swiss public and scraped approval by the thinnest of margins.
Lockheed Martin and Armasuisse also finalised the offset agreement supporting the PAC-3 MSE programme, an agreement which will support new projects to enhance Switzerland’s security-relevant technology and industry base.
PAC-3 MSE will expand the battlespace with a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, providing increased performance in altitude and range, as well as using hit-to-kill technology and intercepting threats through kinetic energy.
The missile is a high-velocity interceptor that defends against incoming threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, advanced threats and aircraft.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![AUSA 2025: BAE Systems delivers more than 500 AMPVs to the US Army]()
AUSA 2025: BAE Systems delivers more than 500 AMPVs to the US Army
The US Army requires 2,907 Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles to replace its M113 family, and there are multiple versions in production.
-
![AUSA 2025: AM General Hawkeye awaits first production contract]()
AUSA 2025: AM General Hawkeye awaits first production contract
AM General presented its new Hawkeye at AUSA 2025 in Washington, with prototypes of the howitzer system having been trialled in Ukraine last year.
-
![AUSA 2025: Lionstrike lays out plans for British Army vehicle bid as competitors get ready]()
AUSA 2025: Lionstrike lays out plans for British Army vehicle bid as competitors get ready
In September 2025, BAE Systems announced that it was joining GM Defense and NP Aerospace to form Team Lionstrike. The team will be offering a version of GM Defense’s infantry support vehicle which is based on the commercial Colorado vehicle.
-
![AUSA 2025: KNDS France to bid for US Army requirement]()
AUSA 2025: KNDS France to bid for US Army requirement
The CAESAR Mk II, which was debuted internationally at Eurosatory last year, is a step up from the first model which has seen combat in Ukraine and the Middle East.
-
![AUSA 2025: IAI reveals robotic route clearance system]()
AUSA 2025: IAI reveals robotic route clearance system
The Elta 6631 has been developed using the experience of the Israel Defense Forces in route proving, and can be customised for various customers and circumstances.
