Switzerland blocking Italy’s Leopard-1 tanks transfer to Ukraine – photos
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Nearly 95 Leopard-1 tanks capable of being repaired and transferred to Ukraine are stuck in Italy's Gorizia province, as Switzerland is preventing their transfer, RSI broadcasting company announced on Aug. 24, providing photos of the stock.
Italy purchased around a hundred tanks from the Swiss company RUAG in 2016. They now sit in a yard in Villesse, nearly 2,500 km from the frontline in Ukraine.
The fabric-covered tanks have never been displayed publicly before and their combat readiness is unclear. Some seem in good condition, while others show signs of dirt and ageing.
The company withheld photos showing the condition, saying many were in “very bad” shape and “unsuitable for war.” Italy believes it would take about 90 days to make them combat-ready.
Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark intended to purchase these tanks from Switzerland for Kyiv, according to RSI. A contract was set for RUAG to sell Leopard-1 tanks to Germany’s Rheinmetall AG, pending Swiss government approval. However, Swiss “neutrality” legislation has so far prevented this transfer.
Switzerland has initiated an investigation into defense contractor RUAG following an unsuccessful attempt to sell Ukraine nearly 100 Leopard-1 tanks, Bloomberg reported on Aug. 21, citing the Swiss Defense Ministry.
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