According to Swiss media, on May 11, 2023, the Security Policy Committee of the Council of Cantons (the upper house of the Federal Assembly - Parliament) of Switzerland adopted two proposals of amendments to the current Swiss export legislation aimed at simplifying the rules for re-exporting weapons and military equipment of Swiss production. These amendments will allow third countries to re-export Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine. The proposals were approved by the Senate Committee by eight votes to five.
The Piranha IIIC (8x8) armored personnel carrier manufactured by the Swiss company MOWAG is in storage by the Danish army. In the summer of 2022, the Swiss government blocked Denmark's planned transfer of a batch of Piranha III armored personnel carriers to Ukraine (c) www.patriotfiles.comThe first proposal adopted by the committee is aimed at lifting some restrictions on the export of weapons and military equipment by Switzerland "in exceptional circumstances and if necessary to ensure national security."
The second proposal allows for the supply of military equipment to countries "that are committed to our values and have the same export controls as Switzerland."
According to the amendments, buyers will be able to re-export Swiss weapons five years after receiving them under certain conditions. Re-export to countries that "grossly" violate human rights or pose a danger to the civilian population will be prohibited. This will allow re-exporting Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine, but not to Russia.
The chairman of the committee, Werner Salzmann of the right-wing Swiss People's Party, frankly stated that the purpose of the proposals is to ensure the viability of the Swiss defense industry.
The proposals are now due to be considered next month by the relevant committee of the lower house of the Swiss Parliament, the National Council. In any case, the amendments are expected to come into effect no earlier than next year. In addition, theoretically, these amendments can also be challenged at a national referendum.
