The Swiss Ministry of Defense decided to dispose of Rapier anti-aircraft missile systems (rapier) British made. Despite pressure from other European countries, SAM data will not be sent to Ukraine, Switzerland intends to continue to adhere to the ban on the supply of weapons to warring countries.
Swiss army decommissioned 60 Rapier anti-aircraft systems, purchased from the UK in the late 80s of the last century. Despite, that the complexes are fully operational and have even been upgraded in 2017 year, decided to dispose of them, so that they do not get to Ukraine.
According to NZZ am Sonntag, theoretically, air defense systems could be sent to Kyiv, but neutrality must be maintained. The authorities even ignored the decision, adopted in 2006 year, which speaks of, that all foreign-made systems, decommissioned, must be sold to the country of origin, in this case UK. However, London will certainly send them to Kyiv, and this does not suit Bern.
Rockets are old, but not yet obsolete. They could be used very effectively against such low-flying targets., like drones (…) Kyiv authorities could use these systems to protect infrastructure- stated the former editor-in-chief of the Allgemeine Schweizerische Militaerzeitschrift (ASMZ) Peter Schneider.
The removal of complexes from service and disposal began at the end of last year, at the moment, one batch of air defense systems has already gone to scrap, three others are waiting for their turn. used photos:UK Department of Defense
