Swiss air defence purchase faces political and funding hurdles

Switzerland is weighing French and Israeli air defence systems to fill gaps in its air defences, but political opposition and a funding shortfall could complicate the decision, SRF reports.

Military officials favour Israel’s Barak MX system, citing its price, the overall package and cooperation with Swiss industry. They also point to the system’s use in Israel’s ongoing war, where it has apparently proved effective. But the choice rests with politicians, and Israel faces resistance in Switzerland.

The left has already objected to a deal with Israel. The Social Democratic Party, or SP, has called cooperation with the country’s arms industry a “scandal” in light of the wars in Gaza and Lebanon. The Federal Council is also reportedly concerned that left-wing groups could launch a popular initiative against arms purchases from Israel.

A French purchase could avoid some of those political difficulties, but the SAMP/T NG system has not yet been used by any army, making it a military risk. Swiss officials are also wary of provoking France after a previous dispute over the fighter jet contract. Although the finance department had reached a basic understanding with France on political offsets, Switzerland’s Defence Ministry had already chosen the US-made F-35.

The Federal Council has instructed Defence Minister Martin Pfister to consider foreign policy and economic interests in the decision. Switzerland has more interests in common with France than with Israel, SRF says, raising the possibility of political offsets in a deal.

The cost presents another obstacle. The air defence system is expected to cost at least five billion Swiss francs, and possibly six billion or more. Switzerland would need to pay two to three billion francs upfront, but the army does not currently have that money.

Parliament has been debating how to finance military spending for months. A rise in value-added tax faces significant opposition. A recent proposal from finance policymakers in the National Council would require the federal government to make savings elsewhere and redirect some tax revenue currently allocated to cantons to the army. Its chances of success are uncertain.

The Federal Council will decide which system is politically viable, while parliament will determine whether Switzerland can afford it.