Swiss military forces have joined the prestigious international tank competition in Grafenwöhr, Germany, showcasing their armored capabilities alongside NATO members and partner nations.
The Swiss contingent, consisting of approximately 20 personnel and two Leopard 2 tanks, is participating in various combat and technical disciplines during the week-long event. A third Leopard 2 tank serves as a backup, supported by a Büffel recovery vehicle and logistics equipment.
The competition, established in 2016, tests tank crews in multiple areas including day and night combat shooting, emergency response, vehicle identification, medical evacuation, and pistol marksmanship. Sixteen tank crews from different nations are putting their skills to the test.
Switzerland's team combines both militia soldiers and regular army personnel, demonstrating the country's mixed military structure. The Swiss Army views this competition as an opportunity to evaluate their training standards and operational procedures against international benchmarks.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the event serves as a platform for strengthening defense cooperation. The Swiss military can assess the interoperability of their armored units with partner nations under field conditions while exchanging valuable tactical knowledge.
The competition, jointly organized by the United States and Denmark, continues to foster military collaboration among NATO members and their partners, including neutral Switzerland.