A forensic investigation by law firm Niederer Kraft Frey found serious misconduct and indications of criminal acts at RUAG, according to the defence ministry. The board of the federal-government-owned defence company commissioned the review on 31 August 2023 after irregularities in Leopard 1 tank dealings. The department received the findings on 30 October 2026.
Criminal proceedings against former RUAG employees are under way in Switzerland and Germany. The presumption of innocence applies. RUAG has also filed a civil damages claim in Switzerland, which is pending. The defence ministry has set up a working group to examine the report and clarify responsibilities within RUAG and the federal government’s role as owner. It plans to report to the Federal Council in two to three months.
The report, as described by the ministry, identifies a risk that parts made by unauthorised manufacturers using transferred drawings may have entered RUAG stores or workshops and possibly the Swiss Army’s Leopard 2 tanks. The department has therefore blocked parts that could be affected. It says RUAG and the ministry have also taken steps to maintain the Leopard 2 fleet’s operational readiness. The Council of States’ security policy committee will consider the complete revision of the law governing federal armaments companies no earlier than early 2027, so the findings can be taken into account.