Switzerland would gain nothing from renouncing American arms purchases. Neutrality does not require isolation, but the capacity to defend oneself with credible means. In essential areas such as fifth-generation combat aviation or modern air defence, American systems remain amongst the most advanced. Our country possesses neither the industrial scale nor the resources necessary to develop such capabilities alone; the choice must therefore be based on performance and reliability, not on ideological considerations. Moreover, the relationship is not one-way: Swiss industry also contributes, through its technological expertise, to Western cooperation. Refusing such acquisitions on principle would amount not so much to strengthening our autonomy as to weakening our security.

I am not an opponent of the army. I am convinced that we need a decent army, but not a militia army.

Actually, I could have voted no as well. What stopped me from doing so is the naivety of the amateurs both in the Federal Council and in the department. They have no idea how to conclude contracts. And when the opposing party is the arrogant and untrustworthy USA...could also add Israel, but the question only refers to the USA.