The Security Policy Commission of the Swiss National Council has given its approval to decommission 25 Leopard 87 tanks, a move that could pave the way for their sale to Germany. This development was reported on the Swiss Parliament’s website, and it signals a potential shift in how Switzerland handles surplus military hardware. The decision was framed as a practical step to realign Switzerland’s fleet with current defense needs while opening a channel for disposal through a German manufacturer that expresses interest in acquiring the tanks. This plan requires careful coordination between the smaller chamber and the two larger houses of parliament before any resale can proceed, ensuring all legal and policy requirements are met.
In a separate session, the Swiss Federal Assembly rejected an effort to reopen the ban on the re-export of weapons from Switzerland to support military operations abroad, including Ukraine. The vote, conducted with a clear majority, reflected a stance that Switzerland should maintain a strict position on arms re-export to conflict zones. The outcome underscores the government’s commitment to upholding a prohibition on arms transfers that could be used in active hostilities, aligning with long-standing Swiss policy that aims to prevent arms from contributing to escalations elsewhere.
Throughout the debates in the national parliament, Swiss officials reaffirmed the government’s intention to keep the re-export ban intact. This stance has implications for how Switzerland engages with partners on defense needs while ensuring that export controls remain robust. The Ministry of Defense then clarified that federal authorities are still opposed to any policy shift that would allow sanctioned weapons transfers, including in connection with Germany’s interest in Leopard 2 tanks. This position reflects Switzerland’s cautious approach to arms trade, balancing defense partnerships with a policy framework designed to limit the spread of military equipment to active conflict areas.