Switzerland eases arms export rules as its industry is shunned by Europe
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/neutrality/switzerland-eases-arms-export-rules-as-its-industry-shunned-by-europe/90836288?utm_source=multiple&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=bundle-front1_en&utm_content=o&utm_term=wpblock_teaser-bundle
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>Over the course of 2022, Germany twice asked Switzerland to allow it to re-export 12,400 rounds of Gepard tank ammunition to Ukraine. Twice [it was rebuffed](https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/switzerland-refuses-to-budge-on-german-ammunition-request/48028348).
>After Switzerland declined their re-export requests, the Netherlands [responded](https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/foreign-affairs/european-nations-snub-swiss-made-weapons-over-ukraine-restrictions/87599015) by halting purchases of Swiss weapons. Germany, meanwhile, excluded Swiss manufacturers from bidding on a large order of military equipment.
As expected. They lose money now for that decision and decided it wasn’t worth the loss.
>Germany’s ambassador, Markus Potzel, declared the changes were such that there’s still “no guarantee” that in future his country will be able to “freely dispose” of Swiss-made weapons.
They are still going to lose their main customers because this ease of restrictions is not enough to convince European countries that the same situation will not happen in the future.
European countries used to try to curry favour with the US by buying their weapons. Now they declare european autonomy to be important.
At the same time increasing uniformity in equipment is an obvious way to significantly increase cross-country operational efficiency. Protecting domestic industry has always been the only reason against that. That will put a lot of pressure on EU and/or NATO producers already.
There is no reason to buy from a bloc outsider, especially if there is any chance of restrictions on what to do with the arms goods. If european politicians are consistent with their strategic goals the Swiss arms industry is doomed.
Switzerland removed itself from the arms trade in 2022.
They sold a heap of ammunition to Germany. Germany wanted to on-sell (well, donate) a large amount of this to Ukraine.
Due to the contract, and Swiss law, Germany could not give the ammunition to Ukraine.
Many Ukrainians died.
Germany and the US have both done the same. “Yes, we sold you the weapon, but you can’t use it against our Russian pals.’
The UK, France, Ukraine itself, and increasingly (weirdly) Australia are joining the Nordic nations in developing and producing vast quantities of drone and long-range artillery weapons that fly where you throw them and then go bang.
The Swiss and German arms industries are seeing orders evaporate while the UK, France, Australia, and South Korea can’t build weapons fast enough.
We’re still buying US stuff because it has unique capabilities. We’re also looking at the next generation and how to get ahead.