Swiss neutrality prevails: Leopard tanks sold with strict conditions
As reported by Swiss and German media, the government in Bern has agreed to the sale of Leopard 1A5 tanks owned by RUAG, which have been stored in a warehouse in Italy for years. However, it was stipulated that the buyer cannot transfer them to Ukraine.
The potential transfer of these machines to Ukraine had been discussed in public as early as 2023. The Swiss company had plans to sell them to Germany, where, after renovation, they could be handed over to Ukrainian soldiers. The government in Bern did not allow this, citing Switzerland's neutrality.
Almost a hundred Leopard 1A5s for sale
At the beginning of May this year, reports emerged that RUAG made another attempt to sell 96 Leopard 1A5 tanks. This time it was more successful. The "Blick" newspaper portal reported on Wednesday, May 28 (Eastern Time), that the Federal Council had already given the green light to sell 71 of the 96 tanks. As for the remaining 25 machines, there are ongoing legal disputes. RUAG must prove that it is the sole owner. If they do, those can also be sold.
RUAG stated that there are also plans to include an option to purchase the 25 machines, which could be activated once the legal situation is clarified.
Importantly, this time it was clearly emphasized that the tanks cannot be transferred to Ukraine. The restriction was included in the agreement (with the German company Rheinmetall), thus meeting the legal requirements of Switzerland.
The Blick newspaper portal reported that after the Federal Council prohibited their sale to Germany in June 2023 due to the possibility of a later transfer to Ukraine, an alternative solution was established. In the new arrangement, the transaction is permitted because the contract excludes any provision for transfer to Ukraine, ensuring full compliance with Swiss arms export regulations.
RUAG possesses Leopard 1A5 tanks, which in the past belonged to the Italian army. They are all stored in that country, in a warehouse located on lands owned by RUAG. Their technical condition is concerning, as the equipment has been stored outside, protected only by tarps.
The war in Ukraine has demonstrated that a well-maintained Leopard 1A5 can be a valuable asset in modern armed conflict. It is a tank from the 1990s, equipped with a 105 mm gun and EMES 18 fire control system. This latter feature gives it an advantage over post-Soviet competitors lacking thermal imaging. Ukrainian soldiers have often highlighted this. They also praise the Leopard 1A5s for their mobility, agility, and comfortable handling.
