Germany refuses to supply self-propelled anti-aircraft gun shells, Switzerland criticized... Switzerland expresses dissatisfaction over "lack of respect for neutral status"
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] Germany and Switzerland are in conflict over the issue of weapons support for Ukraine. Germany requested Switzerland to export shells to be used in the Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (Cheetah), but Switzerland has refused the export, emphasizing its neutral status.
According to major foreign media on the 31st of last month (local time), there have been calls in Germany to halt arms trade with Switzerland, while in Switzerland, dissatisfaction has erupted, claiming that Germany no longer respects Switzerland's neutral status. Germany is Switzerland's largest arms export market.
In April, Germany promised to provide 50 Gepard units to Ukraine. At the same time, Germany requested Switzerland to re-export 12,000 shells to Ukraine, but Switzerland refused. In May, Switzerland also rejected Denmark's request to re-export about 20 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine. Switzerland views decisions to support Ukraine with weapons as potentially endangering its neutral status. Switzerland has purchased Gepard shells for decades and secured veto rights against shell donations and resale at the time of the sales contract.
The German Gepard is expected to be effective against Iranian-made 'kamikaze' drones suspected of being used by Russia to attack Ukrainian civilians. Accordingly, Germany recently requested Switzerland to allow re-export of shells. A German official stated that Russia is intensifying air attacks targeting Ukrainian infrastructure and Ukraine's weapon stockpiles are decreasing, making the situation urgent.
German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht sent a letter to Swiss Defense Minister Viola Amherd ten days ago, requesting the lifting of the ban on re-exporting Gepard shells. Minister Lambrecht emphasized that the Gepard shells would be used purely for defensive purposes and are essential to maintain grain exports from the Black Sea.
The Swiss government has not yet issued an official response to this shell export request. A Swiss government spokesperson only stated that the Defense Ministry has forwarded Germany's request to the Finance Ministry, which handles export permits. A German Defense Ministry spokesperson explained, "Switzerland is actively seeking ways to support Ukraine together with allies," adding, "Discussions within the government are part of this process."
As Switzerland continues to show a lukewarm attitude toward weapons support for Ukraine, voices condemning Switzerland are growing louder in German political circles.
Markus Faber, a member of Germany's Free Democratic Party, tweeted, "Those who refuse to supply weapons to an invaded country cannot be trusted as they might refuse to supply weapons to Germany as well," adding, "If Switzerland refuses to support Ukraine, we have nothing more to gain from Switzerland."
Roderich Kiesewetter of the Christian Democratic Union said in an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, "I will support a bill to stop purchasing Swiss weapons." He pointedly remarked, "If you try to avoid the current situation, you must accept criticism for not helping."
Swiss politicians also expressed resentment toward the critical stance of German politicians. Marco Chiesa, leader of the conservative Swiss People's Party, claimed, "It has never gone well when Germany interfered in other countries' politics," and asserted, "Germany no longer recognizes or respects Switzerland as a neutral country."
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