Postponing contract with Germany, Switzerland "cedes" weapons to Ukraine

Switzerland has agreed to postpone a contract with Germany to deliver anti-tank grenade launchers until 2026 so that the weapons can be delivered to Ukraine, the Swiss Federal Council said on October 9.

A Ukrainian soldier inspects an NLAW shoulder-fired anti-tank missile. (Source: AFP)

The contract for the procurement of RGW 90 portable anti-tank guns from the German manufacturer Dynamit Nobel Defence GmbH is part of Switzerland's 2016 arms program. Deliveries will take place in stages from 2024-2025.

The announcement stated that the first two shipments arrived on schedule, so Switzerland has completed the process of supplying this type of weapon to the army. However, Germany intends to send this type of weapon to Ukraine, so the remaining quantity will be delivered to Switzerland in 2026, about a year later than planned.

According to the Swiss Federal Council, the decision will not violate Bern's neutrality because before arriving in Ukraine, these weapons had never been on Swiss territory.

In addition, Switzerland will also provide 30 million francs ($35 million) for “humanitarian demining operations” in Ukraine until 2027.

Although not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or the European Union (EU), Switzerland supports most restrictive measures against Russia.

However, Bern does not agree to let European neighbors, including Germany, re-export Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine.

Previously, in an order for NLAW shoulder-launched multi-role weapons in 2022, Switzerland also gave priority to the UK. This is an opportunity for Bern to support important partners in specific areas, in line with its policy of neutrality and non-interference in the deployment of weapons systems; further affirming the desire to strengthen international security cooperation.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/hoan-hop-do-ng-voi-duc-thuy-sy-nhuong-vu-khi-cho-ukraine-289505.html