Swiss manufacturers delivered weapons to a value of CHF728 million ($759.9 million) to 71 countries in 2019, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) said on TuesdayExternal link.
The figure is CHF218.1 million higher than in 2018, making a 43% increase.
Denmark was the biggest client, buying weapons to a value of CHF155.3 million. Most of this (CHF150 million) was a delivery of armoured vehicles. Germany was the second-biggest buyer (CHF125.8 million), then Romania (CHF111.8 million), Bangladesh (CHF55.2 million), and the United States (CHF38.5 million).
Armoured vehicles were the most popular purchase, followed by ammunition and parts, fire-control systems, guns, and fighter jet parts.
On Tuesday, the Group for a Switzerland without an Army, an NGO that aims to abolish the Swiss army, criticised the continued Swiss arms exports to countries where “human rights are massively violated”.
They mentioned Bangladesh, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.
Amnesty Switzerland was also critical. It said Swiss arms exports may only account for 0.23% of annual exports from Switzerland, but they remain “politically explosive”.
“Switzerland continues to supply arms to states that are in armed conflict and to states that systematically and seriously violate human rights. Such problematic transactions are clear arguments for stricter arms export controls, as called for by the corrective [people’s] initiative”, said Patrick Walder of Amnesty Switzerland in a statement.
Campaigners for a ban on Swiss arms exports have handed in the necessary number of signatures to force a nationwide vote on the issue.
Kai Reusser / swissinfo.ch
More
More
How do Swiss arms end up in conflict zones?
This content was published on
How have arms found their way from neutral Switzerland, a country that likes to underline its humanitarian tradition, to conflict countries?
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Man charged with flying drone at women’s Euro 2025
This content was published on
A man flew a drone around the venue on Wednesday evening during the first match of the Women's EURO 2025 in St. Gallen. The 30-year-old violated the absolute ban on flying during match days. He was reported to the police.
More than 250 Swiss companies sign CO2 reduction initiative
This content was published on
A total of 257 companies from Switzerland have signed up to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). In doing so, they are committing to CO2 reduction targets that are compatible with the Paris Climate Agreement.
Swiss accident prevention group sees federal targets at risk
This content was published on
The Swiss government's target for accident figures is at risk, reckons Mario Cavegn, member of the executive board of the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention.
Feminicide: Swiss justice minister calls for electronic monitoring
This content was published on
Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans has called for electronic monitoring and an ankle bracelet warning system for perpetrators of violence against women.
This content was published on
American artist Chaka Khan ‘and friends’ opened the 59th Montreux Jazz Festival on Friday. For over three hours, their show, dedicated to their friend and mentor Quincy Jones, thrilled the audience,
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss weapons exports increase 14%
This content was published on
Swiss companies last year exported government-approved war materiel to 64 countries with a total value of CHF510 million.
Swiss firm RUAG still ranks among top 100 arms sellers
This content was published on
RUAG retained its rank of 95th in 2018. In line with a government decision, the technology group is splitting next year so that units catering to the Swiss Armed Forces are distinct from those serving the international market.External link MRO Switzerland (RUAG MRO Holding AG) and RUAG International (RUAG Holding AG) will be created on January 1, 2020, under the umbrella of the new holding…
This content was published on
Campaigners for a ban on Swiss arms exports have handed in the necessary number of signatures to force a nationwide vote on the issue.
This content was published on
Swiss rifles were coveted during the American revolutionary and civil wars. Today they’re used for fun by the Swiss Rifle Club of Minneapolis.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.