The US approves arms deliveries to Switzerland, Lithuania and Belgium

The US State Department has released $700 million in a possible foreign military sale to Switzerland, along with other sales to Lithuania and Belgium, as the neutral European country works to modernize its air force by 2030.

Switzerland now has approval to purchase up to 72 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement missiles manufactured by Raytheon Technologies. The agreement also includes associated launch technology and logistical and technical support, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

The missiles will enhance Switzerland’s Patriot air defense system, which is deployed to defend the country’s territorial integrity, DSCA said in a statement on Tuesday.

Switzerland has been working to renew its air defense capabilities in recent years. Since 2018, the government has set a goal of acquiring aircraft and ground-launched missiles for more than $8 billion. The Patriot missiles were among the weapons on his shortlist.

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Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry last week approved Lithuania and Belgium for $495 million and $380 million, respectively, in potential foreign military sales.

Lithuania received the OK to acquire eight Lockheed Martin-manufactured High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launchers, 36 alternative Guided Multiple Rocket Launch System warhead rocket capsules, and other related logistical support. The weapons will help modernize Lithuania’s military and deter regional threats, according to a November 9 DSCA statement.

HIMARS and other systems like GMLRS have gained notoriety since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February. In October, the Pentagon announced that it would soon ship four more HIMARs to Ukraine, bringing the total to 20 since the war began. Other HIMAR units have also been deployed along NATO’s Eastern Front. The US Army announced in September that two HIMARS had been sent to Latvia.

Belgium received the green light to purchase 120 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles, 10 AMRAAM C-8 guidance sections and other logistical support. The country will use the missiles to keep its F-16 and F-35 fleets combat-ready, the DSCA said in a Nov. 8 statement.