Copyright © 2024 Euromaidanpress.com

The work of Euromaidan Press is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation

When referencing our materials, please include an active hyperlink to the Euromaidan Press material and a maximum 500-character extract of the story. To reprint anything longer, written permission must be acquired from [email protected].

Privacy and Cookie Policies.

European nations snub Swiss weapons over Ukraine export restrictions

Switzerland’s neutrality-based restrictions on re-exporting arms to Ukraine have prompted European countries, led by Germany, to avoid Swiss-made weapons, prompting Swiss debates on policy changes and defense industry future.
european nations snub swiss weapons over ukraine export restrictions swiss-made piranha iii infantry fighting vehicle sda-ats 2022 switzerland rejected denmark’s bid provide 22 vehicles
Swiss-made Piranha III infantry fighting vehicle. Photo: sda-ats
European nations snub Swiss weapons over Ukraine export restrictions

European countries, particularly Germany, are increasingly avoiding or halting arms purchases from Switzerland due to restrictions linked to the country’s neutrality policy, Swissinfo.ch reports. This trend is straining diplomatic relations and raising concerns about the future of Switzerland’s defense industry.

Switzerland supports EU sanctions against Russia and provides humanitarian aid to Ukraine, but refuses to supply weapons to Ukraine due to its commitment to military neutrality, a cornerstone of its foreign policy, aimed at avoiding involvement in foreign conflicts. This stance is beginning to backfire on the Swiss defense industry.

The Netherlands was the first country to start avoiding Swiss war matériel. The Dutch parliament decided last year to stop purchasing any arms from Switzerland after the Swiss blocked the export of 96 Leopard-1 tanks stored in Italy, intended for Ukraine. Similar considerations are being made in Spain and Denmark, media reports suggest.

According to Le Temps‘s report in early September, Germany has decided to exclude Swiss companies from certain military procurement contracts. This decision was communicated in a letter to the Federal Office for Defense Procurement, Armasuisse. The move has alarmed Swiss defense companies and prompted criticism from politicians across all parties.

The root of the German-Swiss rift lies in Switzerland’s refusal last year to allow the export of 12,400 rounds of Gepard anti-air tank ammunition to Ukraine. Switzerland based its decision on its War Matériel Act, which prohibits the re-export of Swiss-made weapons to countries involved in active conflict.

Armasuisse chief Urs Loher stated that this is a clear signal that Switzerland is no longer seen as “reliable” in Germany. In the German parliament, the term “Swiss Free” is reportedly being used alongside “China Free,” a catch phrase for minimizing security risks, according to the Swiss German newspaper NZZ.

Security experts warn that if Swiss companies cannot export their products, it could ultimately hurt Switzerland’s own defense capabilities and reduce its autonomy. Critics, however, argue that Swiss security autonomy is an illusion, as the country benefits disproportionately from the security provided indirectly by NATO and the EU.

The Swiss parliament agreed to amend the War Matériel Act, proposing more flexible arms deals and re-export rules after five years. However, a referendum expected by late 2025 means Swiss-made weapons won’t reach Ukraine before 2026, even if approved.

Related:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here

You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Please leave your suggestions or corrections here



    Euromaidan Press

    We are an independent media outlet that relies solely on advertising revenue to sustain itself. We do not endorse or promote any products or services for financial gain. Therefore, we kindly ask for your support by disabling your ad blocker. Your assistance helps us continue providing quality content. Thank you!