In connection with the war in Ukraine, Switzerland receives requests from European countries for the supply of Swiss war materials. In this way, countries that have previously donated their weapons want to replenish their supplies. Poland is also among the countries that submitted such inquiries.
In the justification for its refusal, Bern informed that “the tanks have not been formally withdrawn from service,” reports the public Swiss broadcaster SRF. The consent of the parliament as part of an agreement with the army would also be required to make a decision. However, the necessary documentation could only be forwarded in a year, so the sale “cannot be completed within a reasonable period,” reports the department.
“Based on the export criteria described in the War Materials Act and the principle of equal treatment under the law of neutrality, Switzerland cannot approve requests for the transfer of Swiss-produced war material to Ukraine. However, supplies of war material in the form of individual parts or assembly packages may still be made. for the benefit of European defense companies, even if these parts or packages are used to produce war material abroad, which could later be transferred to Ukraine, “the Bern government revealed.
Berlin can decide about the Leopards
The Swiss Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport also announced on Friday that it had agreed to allow Germany to freely dispose of the Leopard 2 tanks, which had previously been sold to the arms concern Rheinmetall.
“The Germans are free to dispose of the Leopard 2 tanks, which were sold to Rheinmetall twelve years ago because there is no longer a demand for them,” the press release said. These tanks are likely to go to the Czech Republic as part of the earlier arrangements for the exchange of equipment between Berlin and Prague. The Czechs donated their weapons to Ukraine, for which they are to receive German Leopards.
The Swiss also blocked the transfer of Swiss-made ammunition to the Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, which Berlin intends to hand over to Ukraine. The Mowag Piranha III infantry fighting vehicles, which Denmark wanted to hand over to Ukraine, also shared the fate of the ammunition. Bern’s decision prevents this move.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings