The government goes into conflict with Switzerland

Switzerland has banned Germany from supplying cheetah ammunition to Ukraine. Now the Federal Republic is facing a confrontation and is looking for new suppliers.

Bern/Berlin – At the beginning of November, Switzerland banned Germany from delivering ammunition for the cheetahs. Now there are growing signs of a German counterattack: the Federal Republic appears to be threatening to stop buying equipment from the Confederates. This was reported by the Swiss broadcaster SRF.

The background: Germany wanted 12,400 Swiss-made ammunition Ukraine deliver, Switzerland refused and referred to its neutrality. the Cheetah tanks are already in use in Ukraine for anti-aircraft defense.

To date, Germany has been by far the largest buyer of Swiss-made military equipment. If the Federal Republic were to renounce arms deals in the future, “it would be fatal for the Swiss arms industry”, said State Councilor Werner Salzmann of the SVP (SVP) SRF. However, he only assumes a “threat”. “Germany must accept that we have the right to neutrality,” Salzmann said. reports merkur.de.

Ammunition dispute between Germany and Switzerland: The Federal Republic is looking for new supply partners

With criticism of Switzerland swerve Germany probably also from its own problems off, continues Salzmann. “Their ammunition supply is very low and they don’t have enough modern and well-equipped weapons.” The chairman of the Bundestag’s defense committee, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, recently indicated that Germany wants to look for new arms suppliers.

“The world has been different in terms of security policy since February 24 and Germany must immediately check the relevant delivery routes when ordering ammunition and change or adapt them if necessary,” said dpa’s Strack-Zimmermann and ha asked: “Reliability in this situation is essential.” Also Chancellor Olaf Scholz he had called for a more crisis-proof structure in the arms industry. Military hardware has to be available when you need it, Scholz said.

Video: Cheetah tank: Switzerland refuses to supply ammunition to Ukraine

A Defense Ministry spokeswoman said so the SRF information that could be interpreted as a threat to Switzerland: “The Bundeswehr procures what is requested. Appropriate end-use regulations generally play a role and will also be taken into greater consideration in procurement in the future.”

The defense ministry tweeted on Monday: “The security situation in Europe requires a rethink.” And he issued a contract for self-protection of aircraft: “Made in Germany”. However, this can affect the overall situation of the War in Ukraine they related. Scholz presented his vision of the “global breakthrough” once again on Monday. (fmu)