The system was initiated by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in late August 2022, during his visit to Poland and following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late February that year. The European Sky Shield Initiative was officially presented by the Germans on October 13, 2022, in Brussels.
Switzerland signed a declaration of intent to join ESSI in July 2023 and the government
approved the participation in the program in early April this year. With Switzerland’s National Armament Director Urs Lohrer signing the declaration of accession to the ESSI on Thursday, Switzerland became the 15th member of the program.
“With its participation in the ESSI, Switzerland is increasing international opportunities for cooperation: ESSI enables better coordination of procurement projects, training and logistical aspects in the area of ground-based air defense,” the government said in a statement issued on Friday.
The initial focus is on medium-range ground-based air defense, although cooperation could follow in short- and long-range air defense, the government said.
Poland, whose air defenses are primarily short- and medium-range, is also eyeing to join the initiative, as declared by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk during his meeting with his Dutch counterpart Mette Fredriksen last spring.
Joining the ESSI has been controversial in Switzerland, with the project’s opponents saying that the country’s involvement runs counter to the Swiss tradition of neutrality.
Downplaying the controversy, the Swiss government said that the project was compatible with the country's neutral status because it did not contain any obligations and Switzerland could still decide where to participate and to what extent.
Furthermore, Switzerland would also be able to withdraw its cooperation if a Sky Shield member became involved in a war.
