Was that about those Leo tanks Switzerland did not want to be sold to Ukraine?
No, it was about a legal opinion which had emerged in a row about SPAAG ammunition earmarked for Ukraine. The ammo, which had been produced by Rheinmetall's Swiss branch, was already in German possession. (The Swiss government had made its original export permit contingent on being given a veto right to block any use which they felt violates their neutrality.)
It had been assumed at the time they would want to veto in accordance with international law, i.e. no re-sale without approval and no use in wars of aggression. International law does not explicitly ban neutral states from selling arms to belligerent nations nor requires neutrality in a war of defence.
The Swiss say otherwise, though, citing their ancient declaration of neutrality, but in doing so ignore that the erstwhile right of nations to wage war is now defunct. Their local laws go far beyond what international law requires them to do.
In 2024, Germany asked for clarification on what would happen if we came under attack from Russia. The Swiss replied they make no distinction between aggressor and victim, and reserve the right to cease all supplies even if it means breaking existing contracts. But they didn't stop there, they indicated they might even veto Germany's use of Swiss-made weapons in defence.
Germany responded by banning Swiss companies from tenders with security implications.
The best part is the Swiss left was really salty about that decision, accusing Germany of blackmail and ignoring Switzerland's neutrality.
But in fairness, I hear the more centrist parties are trying to reform Switzerland's export rules now. They obviously realise Switzerland's defence industry is discredited under such circumstances. It remains to be seen if they'll get their reform plans past the pacifist left and its prolific use of direct democracy to shoot down policies seen as non-neutral or "militaristic".
The Fridtjof Nansen class ship that was lost cost approx. $453m. For comparison back then a comparable but slightly more capable Zeven Provinciën class cost $680m.
The successor of the ZP class is expected to cost upwards of €1,5b. The successor of the Sachsen class, the F127 more than €2,5b. An F127 sounds overly ambitious for a regionally focussed navy.
Imo they'd be better off buying similar sized multi-purpose replacements for their four remaining frigates and buying several ASW corvettes instead of an F127.
Fully agreed, although your price comparison isn't taking inflation into account. For example, Helge Ingstad's price tag of $453 million in 2003 would be about $790 million in today's money. And it wasn't a particularly capable design.
I do think they'll team up with Britain and buy Type 26 frigates.
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