Switzerland has launched an investigation against RUAG, which wanted to sell nearly 100 Leopard 1A5 tanks to Ukraine

The RUAG concern wanted to sell Leopard 1A5 tanks to Ukraine a few months ago. Now the Swiss government has launched an investigation against it.

Here's What We Know

Information about the potential sale of Leopard 1A5 tanks appeared in the first half of 2023. RUAG bought 96 combat vehicles from Italy seven years ago. The concern wanted to sell them to the German company Rheinmetall, which would carry out repairs and transfer the tanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Expectedly, the Swiss authorities blocked the sale, citing that the delivery of Leopard 1A5 would violate the country's neutral status. The government is now conducting a detailed investigation into the situation.

In February this year, RUAG signed a contract with Rheinmetall. The agreement stated that the delivery of the tanks would only take place after receiving the relevant authorisation from the Swiss authorities.

It has not yet been specified exactly what sanctions RUAG will face.

Source: Swiss Ministry of Defence