Swiss Armed Forces
Three tasks – one goal: Security for our country. The Swiss Armed Forces defends our country and people against a military attack. It supports the civilian authorities in dealing with natural disasters and in countering serious threats to internal security. And it assists within the context of international peace support and humanitarian aid.
Media releases
Federal Council approves armaments policy strategy
The deteriorating security situation calls for a rethink of Switzerland's armaments policy. At its meeting on 20 June 2025, the Federal Council therefore approved its first armaments policy strategy, which aims to maintain the remaining defence-critical industrial base in Switzerland and strengthen the broader technology and industrial base relevant to national security. In addition, research, development and innovation for the further development of the Swiss Armed Forces are to be expanded and Switzerland's international armaments cooperation intensified.
Tests show sustainable aviation fuel produces less fossil CO2 and less particulate matter
Two years ago, the Swiss Air Force and the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) carried out tests on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at the Payerne military airbase. These tests confirmed that SAF reduces emissions of soot particles and fossil CO2.
State Secretary for Security Policy and Chief of the Armed Forces to take part in the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore
From 30 May to 1 June, representatives from the Asia-Pacific region, North America, Europe and the Middle East will exchange views on current security policy challenges at the International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) in Singapore. Switzerland will be represented by Markus Mäder, State Secretary for Security Policy, and Lieutenant General Thomas Süssli, Chief of the Armed Forces.
Increasing cyber defence: Switzerland takes part in the PESCO project “Cyber Ranges Federation”
Switzerland will take part in the European PESCO project “Cyber Ranges Federation”. The EU Council approved participation today. The goal of the project is to network national cyber training infrastructures with each other to enable realistic, ambitious and efficient training in the area of cyber defence.
Federal Councillor Martin Pfister to attend UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin
On 13 May, Federal Councillor Martin Pfister, Head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), will attend the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Ministerial conference in Berlin. Markus Mäder, State Secretary for Security Policy, will also attend. The conference will focus on issues in security policy and international cooperation on future peacekeeping activities. On the fringes of the conference, Mr Pfister will meet with German defence minister Boris Pistorius and Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto.
Contact
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