Thread by @deaidua

🧵 The head of the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport has launched a full external investigation to clarify the circumstances of the Leopard 1 purchase of RUAG in 2016 and the signing of the contract with Rheinmetall (delivery to Ukraine). 1/7

In 2016, RUAG bought 96 Leopard 1s from Italy and stored them in also Italy. According to RUAG, they were purchased as “trading goods” and as “spare parts donors”. At the beginning of 2023, RUAG was asked by Rheinmetall if it could buy the Leopard 1s. 2/7

Rheinmetall disclosed at the time that the Leopard 1s were to be delivered to Ukraine after being overhauled in Germany. On 13th of February 2023 a contract was signed between RUAG and Rheinmetall, with the condition that the Swiss authorities had to give their approval. 3/7

At an extraordinary meeting of RUAG's Board of Directors on 20th of August 2023, further discrepancies were identified in connection with the tank purchase, whereupon the head of the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport was informed. 4/7

Various questions must now be clarified. Among other things, the investigation will examine in detail the trade of the Leopard 1 tanks. The circumstances of the tank purchase in 2016 and the signing of the contract with Rheinmetall will also be investigated. 5/7

Furthermore, it will be examined how the board of directors fulfills its supervisory duty over the executive board and whether there is a need for adjustment in the cooperation between the board of directors and the owner. 6/7

All this comes now after it was announced earlier this month that the former head of RUAG, Brigitte Beck, had to resign over alleged mishandled public appearances related to Switzerland's neutrality. 7/7

Maybe I should explain this in more detail. The investigation sounds to me as if they are looking for reasons to be able to better protect themselves in the future (in terms of neutrality).

What surprises me, however, are the alleged “discrepancies”. These are not explained closer. Who lied about what and why? Not a good development at all.