Some European countries are reportedly avoiding the purchase of military weapons from Switzerland due to its neutral stance in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Germany, one of the largest buyers of Swiss-made weapons, has decided to snub Bern in upcoming defense procurements over concerns that it may again be prohibited from transferring them to Kyiv when needed.
Local reports claimed Berlin no longer considers Switzerland a reliable partner, especially after it forbade the NATO country from transferring 12,400 rounds of Gepard tank ammunition to Ukraine last year.
In addition, the Netherlands has also reportedly started avoiding the procurement of weapons from Switzerland after it was restricted from exporting 96 Leopard-1 tanks to the war-torn nation.
Similar considerations are being made by the governments of Spain and Denmark, whose efforts to transfer Swiss-made Piranha III armored vehicles and anti-aircraft missiles to Kyiv were denied.
Causing Panic
Germany’s decision to exclude Swiss-made products from its future defense acquisitions reportedly reached Bern’s Federal Office for Defence Procurement.
According to Swiss media outlet Le Temps, the move has caused panic among defense firms in the country.
Politicians from various parties have also expressed anger over the move, stating that Germany does not respect Switzerland’s war neutrality and democratic process.
War Neutrality Law
Switzerland has existing war neutrality laws that prohibit the export or re-export of its weapons to countries in active conflict.
While it condemns Russia for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it insists that export requests are often rejected on legal and mandatory grounds.
There is reportedly a consensus outside Switzerland questioning why Swiss-made weapons procured decades ago should not be transferred to a country exercising its right to defend itself.
As a result, the Swiss parliament has agreed to make some amendments, but changes may not take effect until 2026.