Neutral Swiss and Austrians join Europe's Sky Shield defence

Switzerland and Austria have signed a declaration of intent to join the European air defence system Sky Shield.

The system was initiated by Germany following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and is designed to allow European countries to buy defence systems together, and train together.

It's being viewed as a historic moment for neutral Switzerland.

But some Swiss fear the move compromises their country's long standing neutrality.

Joining a Europe wide defence system would have been unthinkable just a few years ago, but Russia's invasion of Ukraine has focused minds.

The continent is unstable, and for many European countries an upgrade of air defences has become inevitable. The Swiss government says working with European neighbours on a common system makes both strategic and financial sense.

Austria is also a neutral country, and the government in Vienna argues that by pooling military resources it is able to maintain that status.

This is not the first dent in Switzerland's traditionally strict neutrality.

As part of Nato's partnership for peace it has had a peacekeeping battalion in Kosovo for two decades. And, to Moscow's anger, it has joined EU sanctions against Russia.