Council of States says yes to passing on 25 Leopard 2s: paving the way for tank deal with Germany

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It became emotional again. But now Defense Minister Viola Amherd (61) has a free hand for a tank deal with Germany! After the Federal Council and the National Council, the Council of States also supports the idea of ​​dismantling 25 of the 96 decommissioned Leopard 2 battle tanks. This makes it possible to pass on the tanks. Because decommissioning is a condition for passing on the tanks.

“The sale is in the interests of Switzerland,” Amherd emphasized in the debate. “In terms of neutrality legislation this is possible and in terms of neutrality policy it is in Switzerland’s interest.” Because, Amherd continues: “We can contribute to the security of Europe and therefore also Switzerland.”

“We must use our room to maneuver”

Center councilor Andrea Gmür (59, LU) further made it clear: “We can send a positive signal to our European partners.” This makes sense not only in terms of foreign policy, but also in terms of security policy. If there is danger for Switzerland, it will come from the edge of Europe, says SP State Councilor Daniel Jositsch (58, ZH). It therefore makes sense to integrate ourselves into the European security concept: “We must therefore use our room for maneuver accordingly.”

A minority led by SVP Council of States Werner Salzmann (60, BE) did not want to know about the deal. “This smells like exchanging rings and is sensitive in terms of neutrality policy,” he warned. But that’s not all: Salzmann wanted all 96 tanks in eastern Switzerland to be shut down for the benefit of his own army. Citing a new army report, he even noted that tanks were actually still missing to achieve the army’s new goal. “We don’t have enough battle tanks!” Party member Alex Kuprecht (65, SZ) doubled down: “We are unable to defend ourselves!”

But he couldn’t get away with it. The Council of States voted in favor of dismantling with 25 votes in favor, 15 votes against and three abstentions. Decommissioning may only take place if the tanks can be resold to the German manufacturer Rheinmetall. The small chamber treated the deal as part of the Army’s message.

Germany wants tanks back

Germany in particular had asked Switzerland if it could take over some of the tanks that were lying idle in eastern Switzerland. The Swiss Leos are intended to replace tanks that Berlin has supplied to Ukraine. Economy Minister Robert Habeck (54) and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (63) had assured Switzerland in a letter that they would not forward the tanks to Ukraine, but would leave them in Germany or other EU or NATO states and fill gaps would fill.

However, the pension still means nothing. The cabinet first wants to instruct the economics department of SVP federal councilor Guy Parmelin (63) to assess any export applications and submit them for decision. The final say on a sale remains with the state government.

Confusion about numbers

The Army currently has 134 Leos in service. However, these are not enough to fully equip the army’s current six battalions, which use main battle tanks. This requires 168 tanks.

The idea is therefore: 34 of the 96 decommissioned main battle tanks should be reactivated and modernized for the troops. In addition, it is planned to prepare 12 units for training and use another 25 as spare parts and assembly donors. The army wants to deploy 71 tanks for itself. The bottom line is that there are 25 Lions left to pass on.

What caused confusion in the debate in the Council of States was the new report of the army, according to which “up to 62” of these 71 tanks could be upgraded to maintain their value, to strengthen additional troops with main battle tanks and convert them to mechanized battalions. This would mean that only nine tanks would be available for training and spare parts. “This is an inconsistency,” complained FDP state councilor Josef Dittli (66, UR).

“There is no discrepancy and certainly no inconsistencies,” Amherd countered. The report talks about options. The new report also makes it clear that the army has sufficient tanks. If necessary, you can also invest in new systems, Amherd emphasizes. It is clear to them: “25 tanks can be taken out of service!”

Application calls for integration in 2035

The Council of States also had to rule on a motion stating that the integration of the 71 Leopard 2 tanks intended for the army should not be postponed. Instead, they must be reactivated or replaced with new systems “by 2035 at the latest.” A kind of guarantee that they wanted to demand from Center Defense Minister Amherd.

If on the one hand it is decided to dismantle, on the other hand a decision must also be made to put it into use, emphasizes FDP State Councilor Thierry Burkart (48, AG). However, the motion failed with 23 votes in favor and 18 against.

Source:Blick