Train with French military vehicles crosses Switzerland
Published: Monday, Apr 8th 2024, 11:30
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A train of French military vehicles has crossed Switzerland. The approximately 70 vehicles are destined for the "Strategic Reserve Force", which has been supporting the EU military mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina since April. As Switzerland is involved in the mission, the transport did not require a permit.
France will be responsible for equipping the Strategic Reserve Force (SRF) with personnel and equipment in the first half of 2024. This consists of a motorized infantry battalion. If necessary, it can be deployed to support the EU mission (Eufor Althea), as announced by the State Secretariat for Security Policy (Sepos) on Monday.
Due to the current security situation in Bosnia-Herzegonwina, Eufor Althea requested support from the SRF from April. Around 20 light armored vehicles were among the 70 military vehicles transported through Switzerland. The Federal Council was informed of the transit on March 27.
The French army has commissioned a specialized company to transport them. A corresponding train will once again travel through Switzerland for the return transport. Members of the French army do not travel through Switzerland.
Like the international protection force in Kosovo (KFOR), the Eufor Althea mission contributes to stability in the Western Balkans. Switzerland has been participating in the UN-mandated military peacekeeping mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina with 20 armed army personnel since 2004.
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