The US government has informed Switzerland that it will divert five Patriot air defense systems currently in production to help defend Ukraine against Russian attacks. The announcement was made by the Swiss government on July 17, revealing a hasty shift in Washington’s approach to providing military aid to Ukraine. This move comes amid ongoing near-constant missile and drone attacks.
The diversion is possible due to the US foreign military process governing defense sales. No details have been released about how many systems will be diverted or what new delivery timelines will apply. In 2022, Switzerland ordered five Patriot systems with deliveries set to begin in 2026 and continue until 2028.
This decision follows similar announcements last year, where a batch of PAC-3 MSE interceptors were also redirected to Ukraine. Germany has now offered to purchase two Patriot systems from the US and donate them to Ukraine, pending discussions with the US administration.
NATO commander U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich signaled a new dynamic in supplying Kyiv with defensive weapons by suggesting European nations collaborate on delivering these capabilities.
Source: https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/07/17/us-diverts-patriot-systems-from-switzerland-to-ukraine