Neutral Swiss dismantle usable missiles

SWITZERLAND is dismantling 60 British-made anti-aircraft weapons that could be given to Ukraine because of its long-standing policy of neutrality.

Critics have urged the government to reconsider the decision to scrap the Rapier surface-to-air missiles it purchased in the 1980s.

Zurich began taking the weapons apart at the end of 2022, according to the Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ).

While European allies have donated tanks, missiles and other weaponry to support Ukraine, Switzerland, which is not part of the EU, has stuck to its 200year tradition of remaining neutral in political conflicts. Swiss laws prohibit the delivery of weapons to warring countries in armed conflict, and also extends the ban to re-exports.

But the Swiss government has also prohibited countries in possession of Swiss-made weapons from sending them to Ukraine.

Requests from Spain, Denmark and Germany to transfer armoured vehicles, anti-aircraft guns and ammunition made in Switzerland to Ukrainian forces have all been rejected.

“It is totally incomprehensible that parliament could not agree on a compromise. It is a missed opportunity to give the Federal Council the impetus expected and to revise the rules for the re-export of war material,” said François Pointet, a member of the Swiss National Council and Green Liberals in a general statement about re-exports.

Over the next few years, hundreds of foreign-made weapons systems are slated to be decommissioned in Switzerland, including nearly 250 infantry fighting vehicles and 100 artillery cannons made in the US.