Switzerland evaluates Eurosam as frontrunner for new air defense system

Switzerland has completed the evaluation process for a second long-range air defense system, known internally as Bodluv GR 2. The Swiss Federal Office for Defense Procurement (Armasuisse) confirmed that the military and industrial assessments of submitted offers are now finished, leaving the final decision to the Swiss Federal Council.

The procurement aims to fill a security gap caused by a five-to-seven-year delay in the delivery of the previously ordered American Patriot system. Costs for the Patriot system have reportedly risen from 2 billion to 3.7 billion Swiss francs due to inflation, US government reprioritization, and expanded functions.

The French-Italian company Eurosam, which produces the SAMP/T NG system, is considered the frontrunner for the new contract. This preference aligns with the Swiss government's stated intent to prioritize European-made defense equipment. The SAMP/T NG system utilizes Aster 30 B1NT missiles and is capable of detecting targets at ranges exceeding 350km and engaging aerodynamic targets at over 150km. Other participating manufacturers included companies from Israel and South Korea.