Switzerland will have to wait before taking delivery of new patriot missiles from the United States, despite contracts already being signed.
A few months ago, this country signed a CHF 300m deal with the US for the missiles, which should be delivered in 2030.
But the Americans want to send the systems to Ukraine first.
The German defence minister, Boris Pistorious, says any new systems should be sent to them first – which means they can send the units they have now to Ukraine.
The Swiss government knows such a move could be problematic with neutrality – and is not divulging any further information, other than it is talking to the Germans.
Many Swiss politicians argue that Switzerland needs the defence systems as soon as possible as it is currently lacking a modern air defence.
The contracts signed with the US do allow a change to delivery dates if there is a compelling reason to do so – and the situation in Ukraine could meet that requirement.
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