Switzerland has agreed to join the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) Patriot Support Partnership (PATRIOT SP).
The initiative aims to enhance security and improve the availability of spare parts for the country’s Patriot ground-based air defense systems.
The partnership includes maintenance, technical support, ammunition monitoring, training, and transportation services.
Bern emphasized that the initiative aligns with its neutrality policy, with the option to withdraw from the partnership if any member country becomes involved in an international armed conflict.
NSPA-Switzerland Partnership
As NATO’s primary multinational procurement and logistical support organization, the NSPA assists member states with equipment management.
Though not a NATO member, Switzerland’s participation in the NSPA PATRIOT SP marks Bern’s third collaboration with the agency.
The country has been working with the NSPA since 1996 and is already involved in support partnerships for the AMRAAM and the Stinger missile systems.
Air2030
The Patriot long-range ground-based air defense system is part of Switzerland’s Air2030 program to enhance the country’s air defense capabilities.
Air2030 was established in 2022 and also includes the procurement of F-35A fighter aircraft.
During the operational phase, Switzerland plans to establish a logistics support framework involving manufacturers and international partnerships, including the NSPA PATRIOT SP.
Under the initiative, Switzerland already signed the procurement contract with the US government and an offset agreement with Lockheed Martin.
The F-35A fighter jets and the Patriot long-range air defense system are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2030.
