By Liu Kehan
刘柯涵
The Swiss Armed Forces released the latest policy document recently, which makes it clear that the country will further strengthen its ties with NATO in defense and security, join the European defense system and reinforce military force buildup.
近日，瑞士国防军发布最新政策文件，明确在防务安全方面进一步加强与北约的联系，并加入欧洲防御体系、强化军备力量建设。
Hyping up security threats
渲染安全环境威胁
The 50-page long policy document states that Switzerland must reviewits strategic security environment and that the Swiss Armed Forces will accelerate military modernization and arms upgrading processes. It is analyzed that Switzerland's clamor of security threats is to create momentum for strengthening arms buildup. The document extensively elaborates on the cooperation between Switzerland and NATO, claiming that "collaborating with NATO is the best choice for Switzerland."
这份长达50页的政策文件称瑞士必须重新审视自己所处的战略安全环境，瑞士国防军将加速推进现代化和武器装备升级进程。分析认为，瑞士渲染安全环境威胁，意在为强化军备建设制造声势。文件大量篇幅涉及瑞士与北约合作的内容，称“与北约合作是瑞士的最佳选择”。
In addition, the document also argues that the Swiss Armed Forces should coordinate with the armed forces of other countries instead of fighting alone. The Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM) is the prioritized option advocated by the Swiss Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), which refers to integrating a certain number of military units into NATO's unified management and maneuver in exchange for actual combat experience, that is, joining the International Military Staff (IMS) of NATO or becoming part of its multinational forces.
此外，文件还认为，瑞士国防军应与其他武装部队合作，而不是单独作战。“冰岛模式”是瑞士国防部推崇的最优选择，即将一定数量的军事单位纳入北约“统一管理、统一行动”，以获得实战经验。换言之，就是进驻北约参谋机构或成为多国部队兵力组成部分。
It is worth mentioning that the Swiss military top brass had approved the document. Head of DDPS Viola Amherd stated that the document results from an accurate assessment based on national security, and collaborating with NATO is the only way forward for the country. Senior Swiss officials contend that the country should increase participation in NATO military exercises, including those under the framework of collective defense rights pertaining to Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
值得一提的是，文件得到瑞士军方高层的认可。瑞士国防部长阿姆赫德表示，文件是基于瑞士国家安全作出的准确判断，与北约合作是未来发展的必由之路。瑞士高级官员主张，瑞士应增加参加北约军演的频次，包括在《北大西洋公约》第5条集体防卫权框架下的军事演习。
Abandoning the principle of defense neutrality
舍弃防务中立原则
In July 2023, the DDPS endorsed a statement of intent to join the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI). The joint air defense initiative initiated by Germany aims to establish an independent collective air defense and missile system in Europe through the unified procurement of air defense equipment and missiles by European countries. It also promotes cooperation in training, maintenance, and logistics. Switzerland's bid to join the initiative is seen as inconsistent with its traditional neutral principle.
7月，瑞士国防部签署加入“欧洲天空之盾倡议”的意向声明。该倡议是由德国发起的一项共同防空计划，旨在通过欧洲国家统一采购防空设备和导弹来建立一个独立的欧洲集体防空和导弹系统，同时实现在培训、维护和后勤方面的诸多合作。瑞士寻求加入该倡议，被外界认为与该国长期以来的中立传统不符。
The document proposes that Switzerland should expand bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation and military training to the greatest extent possible and involve its army in the joint training and project construction of NATO to adapt to the standards and principles of the organization based on the "breakthrough achievements" made by its air force. The document clearly describes that Switzerland will gradually join the defense mechanism under the framework of the Permanent Structured Cooperation on Security and Defence (PESCO) of the European Union (EU).
该文件提出，瑞士应尽可能扩大双边和多边防务合作及军事训练，在空军“取得突破成果”的基础上，瑞士陆军也应参与北约联合训练和项目建设，以适应北约的标准和原则。文件明确，瑞士将逐步加入欧盟“永久结构性合作”防务协议框架下的防御机制。
In 2022, Switzerland signed a contract with the US to purchase 36 F-35A fighter jets and five MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems valued at USD 8.7 billion, which is reportedly aimed to benchmark with weapons and equipment of NATO. The country's military moves reflect that it is gradually discarding the principle of defense neutrality.
2022年，瑞士与美国签订36架F-35A战斗机和5套“爱国者”防空导弹系统的采购合同，总价值87亿美元。报道称，瑞士此举是在与北约武器装备对标。该国在军事上的一系列举动显示，其在逐步舍弃防务中立原则。
Intensifying arms race in Europe
加剧欧洲军备态势
Switzerland's defense transformation will add more uncertainties to the escalated arms race in Europe.
瑞士的防务转型，将给本已升级的欧洲军备态势增加更多不确定因素。
First, as NATO continues to expand, the "neutral Europe" area is getting increasingly contracted. Following Sweden's application to join NATO and Finland's successful accession, Switzerland's promotion of military integration with the organization may cause other European neutral countries to follow suit, further exacerbating regional security risks.
首先，随着北约不断扩张，“中立的欧洲”越来越小。继瑞典申请加入北约、芬兰加入北约后，瑞士推动与北约军事一体化，或引起欧洲其他中立国效仿，进一步推高地区安全风险。
Second, it may open up arms sales channels, casting a shadow over the regional situation. Germany and Denmark had previously negotiated with Switzerland to procure tanks and gun ammunition from the latter in order to relieve pressure on NATO arsenals and expand the supply channels. It will bring a negative impact to regional situations if Switzerland liberalizes arms exports.
其次，或将打通武器装备销售渠道，为地区局势蒙上阴影。此前，德国和丹麦曾与瑞士磋商，希望从瑞士购买坦克和火炮弹药，以缓解北约军火库的压力，扩充军需渠道。瑞士若放开武器装备出口，将不利于地区局势。
Third, Switzerland's participation in the ESSI is not conducive to European defense autonomy. France believes the initiative fails to adequately safeguard European sovereignty due to high dependency on US and Israeli air defense systems. With the initiative's expansion, France, Germany and other countries may be confronted with aggravated contradictions and divergences in the European defense autonomy concepts.
再次，瑞士加入“欧洲天空之盾倡议”，不利于欧洲防务自主。法国认为，该倡议主要依托美国和以色列的防空系统，未能充分维护欧洲主权。随着该倡议再次扩员，法、德等国在欧洲防务自主理念方面的矛盾分歧或将加剧。
