During the same period last year, just over CHF273 million of arms left the country. According to the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, such a jump in numbers is not unusual as large defence contracts can have a strong impact on one financial quarter and then be absent in the next.
This year, war materiel was exported to 55 countries. Air defence systems and armoured vehicles were the two main big ticket items. The largest importer of Swiss war materiel this year so far is Indonesia, with a deliveries worth CHF110 million (for air defence systems). Botswana was another big client with a good CHF64 million worth of armoured vehicles.
Among European customers, Denmark leads the list spending around CHF80 million on armoured vehicles. Romania follows in second place with an export value of almost CHF58 million.
External Content
Switzerland has supplied warring countries in the Yemen conflict for many years. For example, weapons worth a total of almost CHF5 million have been exported to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain.
The group Switzerland without an Army and the NGO Terre des hommes called the significant increase in arms exports shocking. They criticised the arms industry for claiming economic hardship in order to achieve a relaxation of export criteria even though figures show that business is good.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
This content was published on
How have arms found their way from neutral Switzerland, a country that likes to underline its humanitarian tradition, to conflict countries?
This content was published on
Campaigners for a ban on Swiss arms exports have handed in the necessary number of signatures to force a nationwide vote on the issue.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.