There is new movement in the dispute over arms deliveries from Switzerland to Ukraine. The Swiss armaments company Ruag has officially submitted an export application for 96 Leopard 1 tanks despite negative signals from the government, as confirmed by the National State Secretariat for Economic Affairs on Thursday.
According to RUAG, the German armaments company Rheinmetall is interested in the purchase. The used tanks, which are currently not operational, should then later be passed on to Ukraine, Ruag spokeswoman said.
In response to an informal request from RUAG, the State Secretariat (Seco) said in March that there would be no approval for such a deal. Switzerland insists on its neutrality, according to which no country involved in acts of war may be supported.
With this justification, Switzerland has so far also rejected the transfer of tank ammunition that it sold to Germany years ago. It is always contractually assured that it can prohibit resales.
Spokeswoman Kirsten Hammerich explained why RUAG has now submitted an official application despite the implied rejection as follows: "We would like to have an official decision from Seco so that we can better assess the business options."
Ukraine has been defending itself against attacks from Russia for more than 15 months. The tanks were purchased from Italy a few years ago. The Swiss Army wanted to refurbish them and resell them or use them as a spare parts warehouse. The tanks are still in Italy.