Swiss Leopard Tanks Could Replenish Tank Stocks In European Countries
Faizan Hashmi Published February 01, 2023 | 10:50 AM
GENEVA , Feb 1 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Feb, 2023 ) :Decommissioned Leopard 2 tanks from Switzerland could be sold to European countries after being withdrawn from the Swiss army.
Switzerland has large stocks of Leopard tanks that the army no longer needs. Now voices to sell the tanks abroad are getting louder, public broadcaster SRF reported Monday.
The Leopard tanks from Switzerland could replace those delivered to Ukraine in recipient countries, according to the report.
The number of tanks in question is said to be 96, which are located in hangars in eastern Switzerland, said SRF.
Although Switzerland does not want to supply weapons to Ukraine for reasons of neutrality, there is a loophole, according to SRF.
The report said selling the tanks back to the manufacturer, Rheinmetall, for example, is entirely possible. To do so, however, Switzerland would first have to officially withdraw the tanks in question from the army.
Buyer countries, including Germany, could then supply their tanks to Ukraine and use the Swiss tanks for their armies.
SRF said Switzerland would hardly agree to a direct transfer of Swiss tanks to Ukraine.
More than 10 years ago, Switzerland had already sold back 42 decommissioned Leopard tanks to Rheinmetall.
In June, the German government asked the Swiss government if the tanks could be delivered to third countries in Europe.
Bern had approved the onward delivery. According to the report, the tanks went to the Czech Republic as part of a ring swap, which in return supplied other tanks to Ukraine, Rheinmetall confirmed to SRF.
SRF said a "huge change of opinion" is currently taking place in Bern regarding Leopard deliveries abroad.
Although the Security Policy Commission narrowly said no to the issue last week, a majority could be formed in the coming weeks, SRF reported.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Punjab CM inaugurates Pakistan’s first Virtual Women Police Station
Dutch model Donny Roelvink embraces Islam
Experts raise concerns over introduction of 10-stick packs
Iranian president arrives in Karachi
Law Minister expresses Govt's resolve to address issue of missing persons
Rizwan’s batting order may be changed: Sources
Nawaz Sharif to visit Guangzhou exhibition in China
FM Dar not traveling to China: Foreign Office
PM takes notice of deliberate delay in tax cases
Iranian President visits Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum
Iranian President arrives in Lahore today
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 23 April 2024
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
4 hours ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
2 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
2 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
2 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
2 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
3 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
5 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
8 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
9 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
9 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
12 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
15 days ago