On October 17, the Head of the Swiss Armaments Office, Urs Locher, signed a Memorandum of Understanding and a unilateral declaration on Switzerland's accession to the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) to strengthen the air defense system, according to the Swiss government website.
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Through its participation in ESSI, Switzerland is expanding international opportunities for cooperation: ESSI allows for better coordination of procurement projects, training and logistical aspects in the field of ground-based air defense… The initial focus is on medium-range ground-based air defense. Attractive opportunities for cooperation will be available in the future in the areas of shorter and longer-range air defense, — the message says.
At the same time, the government noted that ESSI is compatible with Switzerland's neutrality.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000Signing the declaration of accession to the Memorandum of Understanding does not imply any obligations. Even after signing, Switzerland will be free to decide where and to what extent it will participate in ESSI, and which ground systems it will purchase, — emphasized in the message.
Also, Switzerland additionally expressed its reservations, in particular, to the clause on the suspension of the memorandum, which allows Switzerland to withdraw from cooperation in connection with its neutrality, if a member of the initiative becomes a participant international armed conflict.
Switzerland became the 15th member of ESSI. The memorandum was signed after the initiative's member states agreed to Switzerland's application for membership.
The ESSI project was proposed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in August 2022. The initiative involves the joint acquisition of equipment and missiles to create a European air defense system that would protect the skies over most of Europe from cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as from UAVs.