Swiss President Backs Lifting Re-Export Ban on Arms to Ukraine

28 October, 2024 RUAG Leopard 1 tanks in Italy. August 2023. Photo: rsi.ch

The President of Switzerland, Viola Amherd, stated that she favors reconsidering the ban on the re-export of Swiss-made weapons from other countries to Ukraine. Reuters news agency reported on this. Viola Amherd stated that the embargo is hurting Switzerland's industry and security.

"Personally, I think we need to make a step forward for our industry," Amherd added. As an example, she cited the Netherlands, which refused to buy Swiss weapons because of the re-export ban.

A Swiss Eagle armored vehicle of the Ukrainian military in Avdiivka. March 2023. Ukraine.

Photo credits: @WeaponsWarfare

She also added that the lack of procurement could lead to technological stagnation of the defense industry, which could entail problems with the country's security. Amherd emphasized that Switzerland will not directly sell or supply weapons to countries involved in war. The President added that Switzerland needs to invest more in the security of Europe, and plans to strengthen its ties with partners, including NATO.

"In the last 30 years, Switzerland has not invested enough in defense and we need to catch up," she said.

Leopard 2 (Pz 87) tank of the Swiss Armed Forces. Photo from open sources

Refusals from Swiss weapons

At the end of September, Militarnyi reported that most European countries had begun to refuse weapons manufactured by Swiss companies.

This step is primarily due to the ban on the re-export of weapons to Ukraine, which is causing outrage among many European users of Swiss weapons.

Piranha V armored personnel carrier with Skyranger 30 anti-aircraft system. Photo: Lars Hoffmann

Germany, which has the closest ties with the defense industry and Swiss-made products among all European countries, is the most dissatisfied. Currently, Germany does not consider Switzerland a reliable partner, as the country has banned the supply of certain weapons, fearing that Germany may re-export them to Ukraine.

In addition to Germany, in 2023, the Netherlands completely abandoned the purchase of Swiss weapons after Switzerland blocked the export of 96 Leopard 1 tanks stored in Italy.