According to reports, Switzerland and Austria, renowned for their foreign-policy neutrality, have taken a significant step by signing a declaration of intent to join the European air defense system, Sky Shield. This move, led by Germany, is considered a historic development aimed at bolstering air defenses in Europe, particularly in light of escalating threats such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine over a year ago. The decision reflects a collective effort to strengthen defense capabilities across the region.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that the Europe-wide defense system, which includes countries like the United Kingdom, the Nordic and Baltic nations, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, as well as Switzerland and Austria, has now garnered the participation of 19 countries. This joint effort aims to enhance defense capabilities throughout Europe.

As per the Swiss government, the initiative involves procurement activities and a commitment to foster research cooperation in the field of armaments. The German-led initiative, which commenced in August of the previous year, seeks to facilitate joint acquisitions of defense systems and promote collaborative training among European nations. The primary objective is to improve cooperation and coordination in the defense sector among participating countries.

Furthermore, it has been reported that Germany's proposal, known as Sky Shield, is aligned with the goal of strengthening and addressing gaps in Europe's air defenses. This proposal emphasizes swift implementation and cost-effectiveness by acquiring available off-the-shelf systems from suppliers, including the United States and other relevant sources. The intention is to leverage existing solutions to efficiently enhance Europe's air defense capabilities.

Switzerland and Austria maintain their stance on neutrality while emphasizing their commitment to international cooperation in security and defense matters. The Swiss government aims to align its security policy with global collaboration and increase its contributions. Moreover, an additional declaration highlights their commitment to neutrality, specifying that both countries will refrain from participating or being involved in international military conflicts.

However, the impact of Russia's war in Ukraine has raised questions about Switzerland's traditional strict neutrality. Reports suggest that Switzerland, having joined the European Union-led efforts to impose sanctions against Moscow, faces challenges in maintaining its historic neutral position.

Switzerland's membership in the United Nations and Russia's clear violation of the UN Charter as an aggressor has triggered debates about Switzerland's potential involvement in collective defense. Experts, such as Thomas Cottier, professor emeritus of European and international economic law at the University of Bern, highlight the controversial nature of Switzerland's potential participation in a conflict of this nature.

“Traditional neutrality is not sustainable, it’s not morally acceptable in my view,” said Social Democrat MP Jon Pult, earlier this year, as quoted by BBC. He added, “If Swiss neutrality means we’re somehow the advocates of international law and of the UN charter then I’m ok with neutrality because then Switzerland can be a power of peace and freedom and rules-based world order.”

Last month, Switzerland halted Bern-based Ruag AG from selling around 100 Leopard-1 tanks to Kyiv, citing a violation of the country's laws. This decision, however, is unrelated to a separate sale of Leopard-1 tanks from the Swiss army to Rheinmetall AG, a German company. The proposed terms of the sale restrict the tanks from being sent to Ukraine but allow them to be used as replacements for tanks Germany is providing from its own inventory.

Image source: BBC