The Swiss Army purchased Rapiers from the UK in the 1980s and underwent a major upgrade in 2007. The missiles are old, but perfect for destroying drones, fighters and helicopters of the Russian Armed Forces.
Switzerland disposes of 60 defense anti-aircraft systems Rapier (“Rapier”) and missiles for them. This weapon could be transferred to Ukraine to protect against Russian aggression, the Swiss magazine NZZ reported on March 11, citing representatives of the Armasuisse defense procurement department.
“The first batch of weapons has already been destroyed, 3 more will follow. It is assumed that all systems will be dismantled and disposed of,” said Armasuisse spokesman Kai-Gunnar Sievert.
How did Switzerland use Rapiers?
The Swiss Armed Forces purchased Rapiers in the 1980s, the block consists of a launch pad and radars. In 2007, the Swiss government invested in modernization – the military bought 2,000 guided missiles.
Switzerland is decommissioning Rapira from the end of 2022, therefore it is disposing of old and new complexes, the publication noted.
“Rapiers” could protect the civilian infrastructure of Ukraine
“The missiles are old, but not completely disabled. They could be used very well against low-flying targets, such as drones, fighters or helicopters,” Peter Schneider, former editor-in-chief of the Allgemeine Schweizerische Militaerzeitschrift (ASMZ) newspaper, quotes the magazine.
With the help of Rapier, Ukraine could protect civilian infrastructure, he added.
Is it possible to send “Rapiers” to Ukraine?
Disposal of weapons caused a strong reaction from politicians from the security sector.
“It’s absurd that we’re disposing of defensive weapons in Switzerland,” says François Pointe, member of the National Council of the Green Liberals. He supports the transfer of weapons to Ukraine and this would be legally possible.
The Rapier is a British-made SAM and different rules apply to its missiles. The decision of the Federal Council of Switzerland from 2006 decides that decommissioned foreign systems must be sold to the country of origin as a matter of priority.
However, Switzerland should not require a re-export ban.
The Swiss government decided to dispose of “Rapiers” in 2019
“Theoretically, the resale of Rapier without any conditions would be legally possible,” confirmed national adviser to senior vice president Mauro Tuena.
Similar rules applied to Leopard tanks – Switzerland returned the vehicles to Germany in 2010. Last summer, 40 tanks were handed over to other NATO countries in this way.
Bern did not receive a request from London for the purchase of air defense systems and the government decided to dispose of the Rapiers in 2019. Armasuisse says they never asked if the British Army needed them.
“It is not typical for Switzerland to offer decommissioned military systems for sale,” said Kai-Gunnar Sievert.
The UK was gradually decommissioning the Rapira missiles in 2021 and announced the disposal of all missiles even before the start of a major war between Ukraine and Russia.
The journalists highlight a fundamental problem with the Rapier systems story. Next, Bern will decommission other Western weapons systems, such as 248 M113 infantry fighting vehicles and more than 100 M109 artillery pieces. Both types of guns are made in the USA and are on the front lines in Ukraine.
Under current law, Switzerland could return them to the United States without any conditions.
“If geopolitical tensions remain this high, the Americans are likely to file a request. Switzerland should prepare for this,” says security adviser Maya Riniker.
Recall that as of March 7, Switzerland had 2 requests from Berlin and Prague for the sale of Leopard 2 tanks. The country has about 100 such vehicles in storage.
On March 6, the Swiss parliament refused to re-export weapons to Ukraine. Germany, Spain and Denmark have asked to lift the ban.
The Federal Council of Switzerland in February of this year announced the impossibility of confiscation of frozen Russian assets for the restoration of Ukraine. Federal laws provide for compensation of their cost to owners.
