Despite strict neutrality
Switzerland wants to join the Sky Shield initiative
7/4/2023 6:26 p.m
So far 18 European countries want to jointly coordinate their air defense in the European Sky Shield Initiative. Another country is already in the starting blocks: Switzerland. But advocates of neutrality see this in danger.
Switzerland wants to slip under a common European air defense umbrella. “Switzerland would like to take part in the European Sky Shield Initiative and a letter of intent should be signed in Bern,” said the Ministry of Defense, confirming a report by the broadcaster SRF. Critics consider this plan to be incompatible with the country’s neutrality.
The European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) was initiated by Germany last year. The project aims to strengthen European air defenses – a topic that has come more into focus since Russia invaded Ukraine. According to the German government, 18 European countries want to take part in ESSI so far.
The venture aims to reduce costs for countries by coordinating the procurement of anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems such as the Patriot missile system. It should also enable cooperation in training, maintenance and logistics.
Swiss Defense Minister Viola Amherd wants to meet her counterparts from Germany and Austria in Bern on Friday. A declaration of intent for ESSI accession of the Alpine republic is to be signed. Switzerland has been criticized internationally because, under a narrow interpretation of its neutrality, it prohibits third countries from passing on weapons of Swiss origin to Ukraine. Just last week, the government rejected a request from the domestic arms company Ruag to sell 96 Leopard 1 A5 main battle tanks for use in Ukraine.
Plans by Germany and Denmark to supply Ukraine with Swiss-made ammunition and armored vehicles had previously been vetoed. The ESSI plans therefore call the Swiss neutrality lobby onto the scene. “That doesn’t go well with a strictly neutral Switzerland,” said Werner Gartenmann from the Pro Switzerland group. He fears that the step could make the country militarily dependent on foreign countries and NATO and that Switzerland could become a target.