Switzerland joins European air defense project, maintains neutrality
Switzerland has become part of the European Sky Shield Initiative a project for unified air defense in Europe. The Swiss government says this move doesnt affect its neutrality as it can choose its level of involvement
Switzerland has signed on to the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) roughly a year ago‚ as stated by the government on 10/19/23. This project‚ started by Germany after Russias invasion of Ukraine more than two and a half years ago aims to build a unified air and missile defense system across Europe.
The ESSI lets European countries buy defense systems together and train as one. Urs Loher‚ the armaments chief put his name on the paper making Switzerland the 15th country to join Sky Shield.
With its participation in the ESSI‚ Switzerland is increasing international opportunities for cooperation
The government thinks this will help them work better with others on:
- buying stuff for defense
- training
- fixing things when they break
At first‚ theyll focus on medium-range ground-based air defense but might work on short and long-range stuff later.
Some people dont like this idea. They say it goes against Switzerlands long-standing neutral position. But the government says its okay because:
- Switzerland can choose how much it wants to do
- It can leave if another country in Sky Shield gets into a war
The government thinks joining ESSI will help Switzerland get better at defending its skies‚ without giving up its neutral status
