措施與執行Measures and implementation

Responsibility

• Lead: DDPS
• Cooperation: FDFA, EAER, cantons

Measures

M34 Closing capability, equipment and stockpiling gaps

The armed forces are rapidly closing critical gaps in capabilities, equipment and armament gaps. Priority is given to capabilities for defending against long-range airborne weapons, such as long-range attack drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, from cyberattacks, as well as capabilities for offensive and thus deterrent effect at longer distances. The armed forces are increasing their endurance in order to support civil authorities over a longer period of time and, if necessary, perform defence tasks at the same time. This requires the increase of stocks of ammunition and spare parts as well as consolidated supply chains and requires well-coordinated cooperation with the civil authorities.

M35 Realignment of armaments policy

Based on the Federal Council’s strategy for armaments of June 2025³⁹, greater support will be given to industrial core capabilities, capacities and key technologies. Domestic procurement and research and development projects are used for this purpose. To promote arms production in Switzerland, armaments are procured domestically wherever possible. Arms procurements abroad will be geared more closely to Europe, and Switzerland will participate more strongly in international procurement projects. Switzerland’s reliability as a supplier of armaments will be increased. This is done by giving the Federal Council room for manoeuvre to adapt its export policy for war material to changing geopolitical conditions. In addition, the regulations on the re-export of war material to third countries are of central importance.⁴⁰

M36 Simplifying and accelerating procurement processes

Procurement processes will be simplified and accelerated. “Helvetisations” – tailor-made adaptations only for Switzerland – will be consistently avoided, and international standards used. Technological change is given greater consideration in the choice of systems. European armaments cooperations such as the European Sky Shield Initiative, which accelerate procurements and provide advantages in the maintenance of the systems, are prioritised.

M37 Acquiring longer-range capabilities

For active defence, the armed forces build up a longer-range offensive component to deter an enemy from attacking, or to keep it at bay and to be able to attack its key systems beyond Switzerland’s borders. The capability development of the air force, the ground forces, the special forces and in cyberspace will also enable offensive actions in the context of defence to reduce damage to the own population and infrastructure as much as possible.

M38 Adaptation of the command structure

The armed forces are adapting their command structure in such a way that they can provide day-to-day services and subsidiary support to the civil authorities in the so-called assistance service, while simultaneously being able to rapidly and seamlessly transition from assistance to active service for national defence – if the escalating situation so requires. If a mobilisation of large parts of the armed forces is necessary, the Federal Assembly elects a commander-in-chief of the armed forces.⁴¹

M39 Examining volunteer forces for protection and security tasks

The armed forces are examining the use of volunteer forces to provide support in the event of increased tensions or armed conflict, for example in protection and security tasks, such as the protection of critical infrastructure. Such troops would be recruited primarily from former members of the armed forces who are trained, have fulfilled their compulsory military service and are willing to serve voluntarily.

M40 Aligning longer-term capability development with a future vision

The armed forces are constantly adapting their capabilities to the threat. Because the procurement of new systems often takes several years, the armed forces have to plan for the longer term, but at the same time also take technological developments into account. With the 2040 target vision, doctrine, organisation, training, equipment and personnel will be geared to the foreseeable threats. This forms the basis for the capability-based Armed Forces Message to Parliament 2028, with a planning horizon of twelve years.

Works in progress

• Motion 24.3605: Future vision and strategic orientation of armed forces capable for defence; DDPS; in development
• Federal Council’s Strategy for Armaments Policy 2025; DDPS; In implementation
• Postulate 24.4265: AI strategy for Switzerland’s security and defence: preparation of the report; DDPS; in planning
• Capability-based Armed Forces Message to Parliament 2028 with four-year credit line; DDPS; in development
• Armed Forces Message to Parliament 2026; DDPS; in planning
• Division of responsibilities in armed conflicts between the Confederation and the cantons, and civilian and military authorities: review; DDPS; in planning
• Motion 25.3420 and Motion 25.3015: Introduction of compulsory security service; DDPS; in planning

Responsibility

• Lead: DDPS
• Cooperation: FDFA

Measures

M41 Expansion of international cooperation

The armed forces are intensifying international cooperation in order to improve training, the exchange of experience and the exchange of situation-relevant information. Participation in multilateral and bilateral exercises is central to training and improving interoperability with partners. In the use of modern weapon systems, there are opportunities for cooperation, especially if the same systems are procured. New formats of European armaments cooperation will be used for this purpose. In addition, systems and processes of the Swiss armed forces are measured against international standards and, where appropriate, certified.

The armed forces examine cooperation projects, in particular concerning threats where Switzerland is particularly exposed, such as long-range weapons, taking into account Switzerland’s obligations under neutrality law. More powerful weapon systems for ground-based air defence will strengthen defences against such weapons.

M42 Institutionalisation of international cooperation

The Confederation is seeking a security and defence partnership with the EU and participation in EU procurement initiatives to increase interoperability and facilitate access to the European arms market for the Swiss defence industry. Cooperation with NATO is shaped by the Individually Tailored Partnership Programme, which is customised to Switzerland’s interests and opportunities and sets out the partnership goals. Cooperation formats in which Switzerland already participates – for example with the European Defence Agency, within the framework of the joint European defence projects (PESCO) or NATO’s Framework Nations Concept – will be utilised further.

M43 Exchange of air situation data

The armed forces are advancing with cooperation in the exchange of air situation data in order to be able to warn the population in good time of drones, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons and to be able to defend against them. Neither timely detection nor defence against modern threats from the air are possible for a single state, so international cooperation is indispensable. Switzerland already exchanges unclassified data relevant to air policing with its neighbouring countries and NATO. This exchange will be extended to military threats.

M44 Participation in exercises as well as training and secondment in multinational staffs

Switzerland is increasingly taking part in multinational exercises and conducting joint training with partners abroad to be able to particularly train combat in built-up terrain and for combined arms combat. Due to spatial, technical and financial restrictions, Switzerland lacks a corresponding modern training infrastructure on which the armed forces can train all operational procedures in a realistic manner.

There are also joint exercises at the strategic level: More and more NATO exercises are defence exercises, so-called Article 5 exercises. Participation in such exercises is compatible with neutrality, as Switzerland is not simulating an alliance member, but is exercising its real role as a partner who – depending on the scenario – is directly or indirectly challenged in terms of defence policy. From such exercises, Switzerland draws lessons for its own crisis management processes and defence capability; it raises its own issues and benefits from the follow-up process. Participation also underlines Switzerland’s contribution to Europe’s security.

The armed forces and other security-related agencies are also participating more frequently in international working groups and sending more personnel to military command structures in neighbouring countries, to NATO centres of excellence and to multinational staffs of NATO and the EU to deepen mutual understanding.

M45 Contributing to European security

Switzerland contributes its strengths to cooperation. These include innovative research, modern training infrastructure with simulators, and expertise in civil defence, military and civilian peacebuilding or the conscription system, which some countries are considering reintroducing. In the field of military mobility in particular, Switzerland contributes to security and cooperation in Europe by facilitating and supporting the transit of personnel or material of other armed forces through Switzerland, in compliance with the law of neutrality. Switzerland also contributes to European security through peace policy measures, by its good offices or by taking on functions such as the OSCE Chairpersonship in 2026.

Works in progress

• Individually Tailored Partnership Program of NATO and Switzerland: implementation and renewal; DDPS; in implementation
• PESCO project “Military Mobility” of the EU; DDPS; in implementation