Switzerland signs declaration of accession to “Sky Shield” initiative
Published: Friday, Oct 18th 2024, 13:50
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Armasuisse CEO Urs Loher has signed Switzerland's declaration of accession to the European Sky Shield initiative. This makes Switzerland the 15th member of the European air defense initiative launched by Germany in 2022, as announced by the Federal Armaments Office.
The signing of the declaration of accession does not give rise to any obligations, the statement continued on Friday. Even after signing, Switzerland is free to decide where and to what extent it participates in the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) and which systems it procures.
The Federal Council had already decided to join the ESSI in April of this year and authorized the Department of Defence (DDPS) to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as well as Switzerland's additional unilateral declaration of accession. Subsequently, the Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Committees of Parliament also approved the deal.
By participating in the European air defense initiative, Switzerland is increasing its opportunities for international cooperation, the statement continued. The initiative enables better coordination of procurement projects, training and logistical aspects in the field of ground-based air defense. As a participating state, Switzerland can now conclude separate program agreements for individual projects and programs.
The MoU also contains a suspension clause that would allow Switzerland to withdraw from cooperation on the basis of its neutrality if a member of the initiative were to become a party to an international armed conflict.
The purpose of "Sky Shield" is to close gaps in the current protective shield for Europe against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine. The model for this is the Israeli Iron Dome. The initiative aims to better coordinate air defense procurement projects and facilitate further cooperation.
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