Report: Swiss Pilatus planes used for attacks in Afghanistan
Hundreds of people died in airstrikes against Taliban targets in Afghanistan in the past.
Keystone/Muhammad Sadiq
Swiss-built Pilatus aircraft have been involved in attacks in Afghanistan, according to a joint investigation by a transnational network of journalists.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/ug
Português
pt
Aviões suíços utilizados para ataques no Afeganistão
At least one PC-12 plane was used in air raids on Taliban positions in a town in eastern Afghanistan last July, according to witnesses.
The Swiss-built aircraft served as a command centre to coordinate the attacks, the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, the NZZ am Sonntag newspaper and the Dutch NGO Lighthouse Reports say.
The plane is said to be part of a fleet of 18 Pilatus aircraft sold to the United States in 2013 where they were re-fitted and later handed over to the Afghan air force.
The planes have been used to coordinate attacks by Brazilian A-29 aircraft in 2015, the report reveals.
Civilian deaths
Hundreds of people, including civilians, died in the bombardments, according to a former US army expert.
At least two Pilatus aircraft were also left behind when the US army withdrew from Afghanistan last August.
Neither the Swiss Pilatus manufacturer nor the Swiss government were willing to comment on the investigation, according to the report.
The export of Pilatus aircraft has repeatedly caused controversy over the past few years.
Critics have accused the Swiss company of violating the law, allegations rejected by the manufacturer.
The sale of war materiel to countries in conflict is banned under Swiss law, and exports are subject to approval by the economics ministry.
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?
Switzerland’s neighbours are ‘not role models’ in fiscal policy, says finance minister
This content was published on
Swiss finance minister Karin Keller-Sutter defended the country's compliance with the debt brake at a meeting of her party, the Radical-Liberals, on Saturday.
Pope Francis praises Swiss Guards’ patience with pilgrims
This content was published on
During a private audience on Saturday, Pope Francis praised the Swiss Guards for their "great patience" with pilgrims who visit the Vatican.
Swiss designer Kevin Germanier to design outfits for Eurovision presenters
This content was published on
Designer Kevin Germanier will dress the team of presenters at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, which takes place in May in Basel.
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter makes official visit to Austria
This content was published on
Karin Keller-Sutter, who took over the rotating Swiss presidency this year, has made her first official visit abroad as president to Austria.
This content was published on
The boss of Swiss Post, Roberto Cirillo, is stepping down at the end of March after six years in the job, the company announced on Friday.
This content was published on
The name and logo of the former Credit Suisse headquarters at Paradeplatz 8 in Zurich's financial centre were officially replaced by those of UBS on Friday.
Outgoing Swiss federal police chief warns of insufficient resources
This content was published on
The outgoing director of the Federal Office of Police (Fedpol), Nicoletta della Valle, has warned that officers, prosecutors and investigators in Switzerland have insufficient resources to do their work.
Swiss university inaugurates Europe’s most powerful centrifuge
This content was published on
The federal technology institute ETH Zurich has inaugurated Europe's most powerful geotechnical centrifuge. Researchers use the instrument to simulate the effects of natural hazards.
Swiss film industry reports successful year in 2024
This content was published on
Swiss films did well in cinemas in 2024, recording over 907,000 admissions, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) reports. They accounted for almost 9% of all films shown last year in Switzerland.
Glencore and Rio Tinto held talks on mining’s biggest-ever potential merger, say reports
This content was published on
The Swiss-based mining and commodities group Glencore and the British company Rio Tinto reportedly held early-stage talks last year about combining their businesses.
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
Pilatus can continue to work in Saudi Arabia and the UAE
This content was published on
The Swiss aircraft manufacturer can continue its business activities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a court has confirmed.
Aircraft company banned from providing services to Saudi Arabia
This content was published on
The Swiss foreign ministry has banned the aircraft manufacturer Pilatus from operating in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Pilatus allowed to resume activity in India despite corruption probe
This content was published on
The Indian government has partially lifted the ban on commercial dealings with the Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus after a freeze in July.
Swiss block sale over concern about Pakistani nuclear programme
This content was published on
Swiss government officials say they denied an export permit to a domestic manufacturer over concern about Pakistani nuclear weapons.
This content was published on
Campaigners seeking a ban on Swiss arms exports have withdrawn their initiative that aimed to stop weapons exports to countries in conflict.
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.