Switzerland to sell Leopard tanks to Germany for transfer to Ukraine
Switzerland to sell some of its Leopard tanks to Germany, which will be modernized for Ukraine
Switzerland intends to sell a portion of its decommissioned Leopard tanks back to Germany, where they will be modernized and subsequently sent to Ukraine, as reported by Bild.
The Swiss parliament expressed a majority vote in favor of removing the Leopard tanks from their arsenal, which is a necessary condition for their supply to Germany. However, the second chamber of parliament still needs to vote on this matter. The final decision will rest with the government, which has already given its approval.
Switzerland plans to sell 25 out of its 96 Leopard tanks.
Switzerland's neutrality
Since 1815, Switzerland has adhered to a policy of neutrality. Bern neither transfers its weapons for warfare, including the war in Ukraine, nor does it provide other military assistance or allow the re-export of its arms to third countries.
Since February 2022, Switzerland has only provided financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. In May 2023, Bern took a step towards supplying arms to Ukraine, but amendments to the law on military equipment were blocked in the lower chamber of parliament.
In early June, the Swiss Senate supported an amendment to the law on military materials, which could unlock the re-export of weapons to Ukraine.
