Swiss voters to decide on looser war materiel export rules
Friday 23rd October 2026 on 21:31 in
Switzerland
Swiss voters will decide on November 29 whether to ease restrictions on war materiel exports, Swiss public broadcaster SRF reports. Parliament approved the changes in December 2025, and left-wing parties and organisations forced a referendum.
The proposal would allow 36 partner countries to buy Swiss war materiel even if they are involved in an armed conflict. The countries include EU and EFTA members except Liechtenstein, as well as Argentina, Australia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, the United States and the United Kingdom. Under current rules, such export permits would not be granted.
Buyers would also no longer have to provide a guarantee in every case that they will not pass the materiel on to another country. However, the government could still require such a guarantee, or block deliveries to partner countries involved in a conflict, on foreign policy, neutrality or security grounds.
The government says direct and indirect deliveries to Ukraine would remain impossible. Exports would still only be authorised if they do not conflict with international law, Switzerland’s international obligations or the principles of Swiss foreign policy.
Supporters say the change would help preserve Switzerland’s defence industry, jobs and technical expertise, and keep the country connected to international supply chains so it can obtain war materiel during crises. They also argue that an arms industry is necessary for Switzerland’s armed neutrality and its ability to defend itself.
Opponents warn that the changes could make it easier for Swiss weapons to reach countries involved in wars or systematic human rights violations. They also say Switzerland would lose much of its control over onward transfers and that looser export rules would undermine the credibility of its neutrality.
The government and both houses of parliament recommend a yes vote. The National Council approved the changes by 122 votes to 68, with six abstentions. The Council of States voted 31 to 11, with one abstention.