Switzerland Approves Sale of Leopard 2 Tanks to Germany

Switzerland has endorsed the sale of 25 Leopard 2 tanks to the German manufacturer in a decision that will facilitate the transfer of decommissioned tanks to other European countries.

The Swiss National Council had previously approved this move, but the Swiss government still needs to make a decision regarding the details and timing of the sale.

Despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine and many European nations supplying weapons to Kyiv, Switzerland remains committed to its policy of neutrality.

Swiss legislation on war materiel stipulates that no war materials can be delivered to countries involved in armed conflicts.

Bern argues that this applies regardless of whether a country like Ukraine has been subjected to an attack and seeks to defend itself.

The Swiss government had rejected a proposal from the Swiss arms company "Rheinmetall" in June to sell 96 stored Leopard 1 tanks to Germany for refurbishment and eventual delivery to Ukraine.

However, the German government requested Switzerland to sell the decommissioned tanks to the German arms company Rheinmetall in February, promising not to transfer the tanks to Ukraine.

Instead, the disassembled Swiss tanks will be repurposed to replenish inventories in European Union or NATO countries, which have been depleted due to arms supplies to Ukraine, currently facing the Russian military operation.