Swiss greenlight tank sale, but Ukraine off the table
Swiss and German media have reported that the government in Bern has approved the sale of Leopard 1A5 tanks owned by RUAG, which have been stored in an Italian warehouse for years. However, the agreement specifies that these tanks cannot be transferred to Ukraine.
Discussions about potentially sending these tanks to Ukraine began as early as 2023. The Swiss company had plans to sell them to Germany, where they could be refurbished and then supplied to Ukrainian forces. However, the Swiss government did not permit this, citing the country's neutral stance.
Almost a hundred Leopard 1A5s for sale
In early May of this year, reports emerged that RUAG attempted to sell 96 Leopard 1A5 tanks once again. This effort was more successful. On Wednesday, May 28 (Eastern Time), the "Blick" newspaper portal reported that the Federal Council had approved the sale of 71 of the 96 tanks. Regarding the remaining 25 tanks, there are ongoing legal disputes. RUAG must demonstrate sole ownership. If they succeed, these tanks can also be sold.
RUAG stated that a purchase option for the 25 tanks is in place and can be exercised once the legal matters are settled.
Importantly, this time it was clearly stated that the tanks cannot be transferred to Ukraine. This restriction was included in the agreement with the German company Rheinmetall, ensuring compliance with Switzerland's legal requirements.
The Blick newspaper portal reported that following the Federal Council’s June 2023 decision to block their sale to Germany due to the potential transfer to Ukraine, an alternative arrangement was developed. The deal can now proceed, provided that the contract continues to include a clause prohibiting any transfer to Ukraine, thereby maintaining strict compliance with Swiss arms export regulations.
The Leopard 1A5 tanks owned by RUAG were previously part of the Italian army and are stored in Italy on RUAG-owned land. Their condition is concerning, as they've been stored outdoors, only shielded by tarps.
The conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated that a functional Leopard 1A5 can be valuable in modern warfare. Originating from the 1990s, the tank features a 4-inch gun and an EMES 18 fire control system, which gives it an edge over post-Soviet models lacking thermal imaging. Ukrainian soldiers have often highlighted this advantage. They also commend the Leopard 1A5s for their mobility, agility, and user-friendly handling.
