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Explosives mail from Berlin: The German government’s request for tanks to Federal Councilor Viola Amherd (centre, 60) caused heated discussions. As Blick announced on Friday, Germany is demanding that Switzerland sell part of its decommissioned Leopard 2 tanks to the armaments group Rheinmetall.
The letter from Berlin is available for the SonntagsBlick. On an A4 sheet, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (62, SPD) and Economics Minister Robert Habeck (53, Greens) ask the VBS boss to comply with Rheinmetall’s purchase request. “We would be very grateful if you could agree to the repurchase by the Swiss Army of Leopard 2 main battle tanks from Rheinmetall.”
The offensive war against Ukraine has increased international demand for main battle tanks and spare parts for these systems. “The German industry wants to be able to meet the requirements of its customers as quickly as possible and thus ensure the functioning of our systems and those of our allies.”
The German government refers to the “close and trusting relationship in terms of security and military policy” between Germany and Switzerland and guarantees that the tanks will not be forwarded to Ukraine.
What the letter ultimately does not make clear: what exactly does Rheinmetall need the tanks for? Pistorius and Habeck write: “It is guaranteed to reach Germany or our partners in NATO and the EU to close the gaps created by the sale of Leopard 2 tanks and to improve the overall supply of spare parts. “
In the meantime, one thing is certain: the German army has no interest in the decommissioned Swiss tanks. A spokeswoman for the German Defense Ministry confirmed to SonntagsBlick: “These are not intended to be used as replacements for the tanks that the Bundeswehr is handing over to Ukraine.”
It is more likely that Rheinmetall wants to sell the tanks to other NATO countries, including Spain and Poland. The two countries supply precisely those Leopard models to Ukraine that are unused in a warehouse in eastern Switzerland. It is also possible that Rheinmetall’s interest is not focused on the Swiss Leopards as a whole, but on individual parts.
Insiders assume that spare parts for repairs will be needed a few months after the deliveries to Ukraine.
The Swiss army is open to selling the tanks to Germany. Corps commander Thomas Süssli (56) said on the SRF radio program “Echo der Zeit” that a limited number of tanks – after personal use – could be transferred. The army chief spoke of “just over a dozen”. But he also said it was ultimately a political decision.
And because it looks bad. A deal with Berlin requires a yes from parliament, which seems anything but certain at the moment. The chairmen of the security committees of the National Council and the Council of States reject the deal. SPler, GLPler and some middle and FDP politicians support the sale of the tanks, the rest say no.
Source:Blick
I am Liam Livingstone and I work in a news website. My main job is to write articles for the 24 Instant News. My specialty is covering politics and current affairs, which I’m passionate about. I have worked in this field for more than 5 years now and it’s been an amazing journey. With each passing day, my knowledge increases as well as my experience of the world we live in today.
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