Switzerland's exports of weapons and military equipment rose by 43 percent in 2025, reversing two straight annual falls, according to government figures released Tuesday.The military exports of the officially neutral country reached 948.2 million Swiss francs ($1.2 billion) with Germany the number one buyer, said the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
The sales were mainly for munitions, armoured vehicles and spare parts for guns and fighter jets.
Germany accounted for 386 million Swiss francs of the sales, the United States 94 million, Hungary 63 million, Italy 62 million and Luxembourg 47 million Swiss francs.
Swiss military sales fell 27 percent in 2023 and then five percent in 2024.
The Swiss parliament agreed in December to a federal government request to ease restrictions on sales that had caused problems with European Union nations. Germany had in 2022 wanted to reexport Swiss munitions but was turned down by its neighbour.
Under its neutral status, Switzerland does not allow equipment to be reexported to countries involved in an armed conflict.
The government wanted more flexibility for "exceptional circumstances" and parliament in December agreed a list of 25 countries eligible for waivers, including the United States, Canada and 17 EU states.
Since the US strikes on Venezuela, however, Switzerland's Socialist party, the Greens and some NGOs have opposed the easing of restrictions and started moves to hold a referendum.
