Switzerland invokes neutrality, rejects flyover of two American military planes

Switzerland Rejects US Military Flight Requests

Switzerland announced on Saturday that it had rejected two requests from the United States to fly military aircraft over its territory in connection with the Middle East war. The Swiss government explained that it strictly applied the principle of neutrality that has guided its foreign policy for over two centuries.

In an official statement, Swiss authorities indicated that Washington had submitted several overflight requests, including for military aircraft. After reviewing all the requests, Bern decided to reject two requests related to the war between the United States and Israel against Iran. The authorities specified that these requests each concerned a reconnaissance plane scheduled to pass through Swiss airspace on March 15.

The Swiss government emphasized that in the context of armed conflict, international law on neutrality imposes certain restrictions. According to Bern, this legal framework prohibits overflights by parties involved in a conflict when they are intended for military operations directly related to hostilities. The authorities therefore believed that the US requests could not be accepted without compromising the country’s neutrality.

However, Switzerland clarified that some flights may be authorized under specific circumstances. Overflights for humanitarian or medical purposes, such as transporting the wounded, are still permitted. Similarly, flights with no direct connection to the conflict can be authorized, as was the case with a maintenance flight approved by Swiss authorities.

Since 1815, Switzerland has been recognized by the international community as a neutral state. This neutrality, described as permanent, armed, and freely chosen, is one of the pillars of the country’s foreign policy and continues to guide its decisions in the face of international crises.