Switzerland reaffirmed its ban on the transfer of military equipment it produces to Ukraine through a third country in accordance with its principle of military neutrality.
However, the supply of ammunition in the form of assembly elements or spare parts to European arms companies will still be possible, even with the possibility of sending manufactured ammunition to Ukraine, according to the decision of the Federal Council.
The government said in a statement that Switzerland had received requests from Germany and Denmark to send military equipment to Ukraine.
The German request concerns the shipment of about 12,400 Swiss-made 35 mm ammunition for Gebar anti-aircraft tanks, as well as Piran 3 tanks, originally purchased by Denmark and stationed in Germany since its decommissioning.
Denmark’s request concerns 22 Piran 3 tanks made in Switzerland.
“Since the export of military equipment from Switzerland to Ukraine cannot be allowed due to equal treatment arising from the law of neutrality, it is not possible to satisfy the requests of Germany and Denmark for the transfer of military equipment to Ukraine,” the Swiss government said. said.
The government is also examining two applications for the export of military equipment submitted by Swiss companies for the supply of spare parts and assemblies to arms companies in Germany and Italy.
One order is for components for anti-tank missile launchers, and the other for components for air defense.
The government noted that “the two transactions involve the risk that some components will be used in the production of military equipment, which will subsequently be delivered to Ukraine.”
She added that “the supply of military equipment in the form of spare parts and assemblies is acceptable in principle, provided that their components in the final product are less than 50% for countries such as Italy and Germany.”
Byrne confirmed that “the Federal Council has decided to continue this practice, given that these exports are compatible with the law of neutrality.”
Source: El Nashra