![]() ![]() The first 12 of these vehicles were supposed to be Czech assembled, fitted with the Scania-Vabis engine but without guns, later vehicles were sold in parts and assembled in Switzerland. ![]() In Swiss service, this vehicle was known as the Leichter Panzer 35 and, in 1939, Switzerland acquired the Czechoslovak LTH, which was known in Swiss service as the Panzer 39. In 1940, Switzerland obtained a quantity of captured French vehicles (one source says that French forces drove them over the border rather than surrendering them to German forces and thus the Swiss seized them), including the Renault R-35. Keeping up with many European powers on the 1920’s and 30’s, Switzerland obtained some of the Carden-Loyd Mark VI light tanks in 1927-28 and Vickers-Carden-Loyd vehicles from the UK in 1934. In Swiss use, they were known as the Mosquitos. The first tanks imported to Switzerland came from France in 1922, when they bought some Renault FT-17′s. However, this freedom from treaties allowed Switzerland a large amount of freedom in choosing tanks from other nations and designing their own vehicles. Not tied to any formal defensive treaty with other nations, Switzerland prides itself in its neutrality, although it did have strong links with Germany during the Second World War. The Swiss military is well respected and was interested in tanks from at least the early 1920s. The defensively minded nation of Switzerland has been surrounded by Italy, Germany, Austria and France and thus many of its tank choices reflect this. Now, you might be asking, what’s unique about what looks like your run-of-the-mill Leopard? But watch out, because that’s no ordinary Leopard! We’re happy to present the Panzer 87-140 Main Battle Tank!įirst, as usual, a little history behind the Swiss armored forces. ![]() From its humble beginnings to the creation of this apex predator, the Swiss military always had some of the most interesting and unique vehicles on the continent, largely thanks to the requirements dictated by its unique geographical layout. ![]()
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