Revolt of the tank officers

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Swiss tank officers annoyed green and blue. The fact that the National Council’s safety committee wants to dismantle 25 Leopard tanks in order to sell them in Germany is met with strong resistance. “The Commission is seriously jeopardizing the independence of Switzerland,” warns the Panzer Officers’ Society (OG). “The Swiss army doesn’t have enough tanks already.”

Berlin had officially asked in Bern if Switzerland could make available some of the 96 “Leos” stored in eastern Switzerland. Defense Minister Viola Amherd (60) is also open to a deal. Switzerland could certainly do without part of its tank fleet. Even army chief Thomas Süssli (56) comes to that conclusion.

The “Leos” would serve Germany as a replacement for the tanks that it itself makes available to Ukraine. Switzerland’s willingness would probably also satisfy other countries. Numerous states are dissatisfied with the fact that the Federal Council has so far strictly prohibited the transfer of war material ever sold.

Officers want 70 more tanks

But the Officers’ Society Panzer (OG) wants nothing to do with it. On the contrary: the decommissioned Leopard tanks must be reactivated and brought to the latest state of the art. “Today the stocks are only aimed at further training. One battalion always trains back to back on the same tanks,” said OG President Erich Muff. However, stocks are not sufficient for emergencies today. “We cannot take on the task of national defense in the event of an operation.”

Muff calculates that at least three mechanized armored brigades are needed to defend the country. With reserves, that would require more than 300 Leopard tanks. In fact, 134 tanks are currently in service. In addition, there are 96 vehicles that have been mothballed “for economic reasons only”, making a total of 230 units.

“Switzerland can be blackmailed!”

Muff believes that military needs are clearly identified and based on democratic decisions. That should not all be thrown overboard. However, for the OG Panzer it is clear: “Switzerland can be blackmailed!” The political pressure is enormous, especially from the US and Germany. Berlin itself has not yet ordered any new tanks of its own from the German arms industry, the OG claims: “Why isn’t Germany moving forward instead of putting pressure on Switzerland?”

“Switzerland can no longer withstand international pressure,” says Muff. “But sometimes you have to be able to handle it.” In any case, the Leopard tanks should not be sold carelessly. Due to the worrying global threat situation and the limited available production capacity, the purchase of new tanks is becoming increasingly difficult – and more expensive.

There is already a referendum coming up

The Pro Switzerland association goes one step further. It is serious that the Security Policy Committee of the National Council is ready to “weaken the security of Switzerland and its people”. Pro Switzerland reserves all means to stop this “anti-neutrality activism” – with a referendum if necessary.

Source:Blick