Switzerland joins European Sky Shield Initiative while upholding neutrality principles

The Swiss government has officially joined the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), a decision initially made last April and later approved by the Foreign Policy and Security Policy Committees.

Armaments chief Urs Loher signed the declaration of accession on October 17, making Switzerland the 15th member of Sky Shield, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

This supplementary declaration allows Switzerland to withdraw from the initiative if any member becomes involved in an international armed conflict, a stipulation that was accepted by other member states.

Participation in the ESSI will enhance Switzerland's ability to coordinate procurement projects, training, and logistics related to ground-based air defence. Loher noted in a media interview that this collaboration is expected to lower purchasing costs and shorten delivery times.

Additionally, Switzerland will gain access to training facilities abroad, particularly in northern Germany. This joint procurement initiative is anticipated to bolster cooperation among European armies, enabling them to work together more effectively in the event of a conflict on the continent. Switzerland will thus be positioned to defend itself in collaboration with other nations if needed.

By joining the ESSI, Switzerland expands its international cooperation opportunities, allowing for improved coordination in procurement, training, and logistical support for ground-based air defence (GBAD). The framework for these collaborations is outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), under which member states can jointly execute projects for cooperative procurement of GBAD systems and explore other areas of collaboration.

As a member, Switzerland can now enter into separate program agreements for individual projects under the MoU, initially focusing on medium-range ground-based air defence, with plans for future cooperation in shorter and longer-range air defence systems.

Importantly, signing the declaration of accession to the MoU does not impose any binding obligations on Switzerland. The country retains the autonomy to determine its level of participation in the ESSI and the specific ground-based systems it chooses to procure.

During the signing of the MoU in July 2023, Switzerland and Austria expressed their neutrality reservations in an additional declaration, and this commitment is reaffirmed in a public unilateral declaration regarding the signing of the MoU. This includes a suspension clause that allows Switzerland to withdraw from cooperation if a member of the initiative engages in international armed conflict.

By Tamilla Hasanova