Swiss concern Ruag is asking for permission to export Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine
The Swiss defense concern Ruag has officially submitted an application to the country’s government for the export of 96 Leopard 1 tanks.
This is reported by Censor.NET with reference to Euro Integration.
Seven years ago, the tanks were purchased in Italy. Switzerland wanted to resell or dismantle them for spare parts.
It is noted that Ruag wants to sell armored vehicles for further shipment to Ukraine. First, they will be sent to Germany to the arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, and then to Ukraine.
The final decision will be made by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
In response to an informal inquiry by Ruag, SECO said in March that the concern would not receive permission for such a deal. However, Ruag decided to apply officially.
The representative of the concern, Kirsten Hammerich, explained this fact by the fact that Ruag would like to "receive an official decision in order to better evaluate business options."
Switzerland is criticized for the fact that it prohibits other states from transferring weapons produced by its defense industry to Kyiv for reasons of neutrality. This also applies to Germany, which cannot supply Ukraine with ammunition for Gepard self-propelled guns.
