Swiss alliance campaigns for looser arms export rules

A cross-party alliance is campaigning for voters to approve looser arms export rules in a referendum on November 29. The alliance includes the SVP, Centre, FDP and GLP parties, as well as business and security groups, SRF reported.

The campaign, led by the security alliance Allianz Sicherheit Schweiz, says more flexible rules are needed to protect Switzerland’s security and defence industry. Supporters argue that the changed geopolitical situation makes it important for Swiss arms companies to remain part of international supply chains, preserving technology and expertise needed for the country’s defence.

Parliament approved the changes in December 2025. Under the revised law, certain partner countries would be exempt from the existing ban on arms exports to countries involved in internal or international conflicts. Exports to those partner countries could generally be approved if they do not conflict with neutrality law or Switzerland’s foreign or domestic policy interests. The list of 36 countries includes EU and EFTA states, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Argentina and Japan, but not Israel or Saudi Arabia.

The changes would also make non-re-export declarations conditional rather than routine. Buying countries would need to promise not to pass on Swiss arms only when the government considers that necessary for foreign, neutrality or security policy reasons. The Federal Council could veto an export or require arms to remain in the purchasing country if it has security or neutrality concerns.

SVP lawmaker Michael Götte said the revised law explicitly gives the Federal Council neutrality as a new basis for a veto. Supporters argue that allowing the government to decide at the time of sale, rather than only after a conflict begins, would strengthen Switzerland’s neutrality.

The alliance also warned that rejecting the changes could put jobs at risk. Economiesuisse director Monika Rühl said companies leaving Switzerland would take technical apprenticeships and highly skilled jobs with them. GLP lawmaker Céline Weber said some specialised research and development companies had already moved their headquarters abroad in recent years.