Germany – as in the case of the Swiss ammunition for the anti-aircraft gun tank Gepard – can no longer make itself dependent, the FDP politician told the DPA news agency in Berlin. She also pointed out that ammunition purchases of 20 billion euros or more will be needed in the coming years. Switzerland had blocked transfers of cheetah ammunition for the second time on Thursday, referring to its own neutrality “in the relationship between Russia and Ukraine”.
Economy Minister Guy Parmelin rejected a request from German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht on Thursday. On October 21, Lambrecht had requested the transfer of approximately 12,400 rounds of 35 millimeter rounds of ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft tank. As already explained in early June, he confirmed that Switzerland applies the neutrality law, which is part of customary international law, in relations between Russia and Ukraine.
As long as Ukraine is engaged in an international conflict, Switzerland cannot accede to a request for the transfer of war material to Ukraine due to the principle of equal treatment under the law of neutrality. Partly due to the provisions of the Swiss War Material Act, it is not possible to pass on the cheetah ammunition.
In early June, the Bundesrat rejected requests from Germany and Denmark to deliver war materials produced in Switzerland to Ukraine.
“Of course, even if it is difficult to accept as friendly neighbors, if Switzerland does not want to pass on ammunition used in crisis areas because of its neutrality status,” Strack-Zimmermann said. For the defense politician, however, the security policy issues are urgent. “What actually happens if Germany or one of the NATO countries is attacked and the ammunition manufactured in Switzerland is not delivered because of this ‘neutrality’?”
Strack-Zimmermann pointed out that the Bundeswehr also sources ammunition from Switzerland for its anti-aircraft system Mantis, ammunition for the main armament of the infantry fighting vehicle Puma and for the Tornado and Eurofighter fighter planes. “In terms of security policy, the world has changed since February 24, and when ordering ammunition, Germany must immediately check the relevant delivery routes and change or adjust them if necessary,” she said, referring to the day of the Russian attack on Ukraine. She demanded, “Reliability in this situation is essential.”
(SDA)