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Latest Defence news and updates from Switzerland. AI-curated articles covering Defence topics.
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Switzerland’s Ruag and Lockheed Martin have formalised a deal to assemble and test three F-35A fighter jets at Emmen in canton Lucerne. Production is scheduled to begin in autumn 2027, making the site one of only four worldwide involved in the programme.
about 24 hours ago · 1 source
Defence
A parliamentary grilling has exposed unresolved questions over Switzerland’s F-35 procurement, including the absence of a fixed price and concerns about consultancy and oversight. The government is expected to respond to auditors’ findings in December.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Defence
Swiss lawmakers have questioned Defence Minister Martin Pfister over serious failings in negotiations to procure F-35 fighter jets, including the absence of a fixed price and alleged conflicts of interest involving consultants.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Switzerland
Switzerland is creating a drone centre of excellence, a dedicated battalion and a recruit school as unmanned systems become more important in modern and hybrid warfare.
The Local Switzerland · +1 more
Military
Following a driving ban imposed in mid-February, dozens of the Swiss army's M113 armoured personnel carriers are once again roadworthy. An army spokesperson confirmed that training can resume, with the complete refurbishment of the fleet expected to be finished by the third quarter of 2027.
SWI swissinfo.ch
National Security
The Swiss Armed Forces have confirmed that several unidentified drones were recently observed flying in formation over a critical military installation, raising concerns about espionage and hybrid warfare. This story details the incident, the army's response, and politicians' calls for enhanced drone defence measures.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Defence
Amid calls for national unity from the defence minister, Switzerland has advanced its military overhaul by making a CHF500 million payment for US F-35 jets and is concurrently exploring new air defence systems with France, Israel, and South Korea, even as the government scales back a proposed tax hike for funding.
The Local Switzerland · +3 more
Politics
The Swiss government is moving to significantly bolster national security, proposing a 0. 5% VAT hike to fund increased military spending and backing a plan to merge civil defence and civilian service, making security-related service compulsory for all male conscripts. This two-pronged approach addresses both financial needs and personnel shortages in the armed forces and disaster response units.
SWI swissinfo.ch · +1 more
Parliament
The Swiss Senate has backed a motion calling on the government to open negotiations with Brussels for a formal security and defence agreement, signaling a significant step towards closer military cooperation with the European Union.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Defence
The Swiss armed forces have placed an order with German manufacturer KNDS for a new artillery system to replace its aging M109 howitzers, with deliveries of the modern, faster, and more automated platform expected to begin in 2031.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Cybersecurity
In a controversial decision, the state-owned defence company RUAG has confirmed it paid a ransom to the hacker group Akira to recover data stolen from its US subsidiary. The move contradicts the official recommendation of the Federal Office for Cybersecurity.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Swiss Army
As the Swiss Army participates in a NATO 'Tiger Meet' exercise in Greece, the government is simultaneously evaluating new long-range air defence systems from four countries, signaling a deepening of international military cooperation.
SWI swissinfo.ch · +1 more
Defence
Opponents of the F-35 fighter jet deal have launched a fresh popular initiative, beginning the collection of signatures in an attempt to force a public vote to overturn the government's controversial multi-billion franc procurement from the United States.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Defence
Switzerland's planned multi-billion franc purchase of the Patriot air-defence system from the United States is facing potential cancellation, according to the defence minister. Delivery delays have prompted a suspension of payments and raised questions about the viability of the major procurement deal.
Le News
Foreign Policy
An investigation shows several dozen Swiss companies exported over CHF 24 million in specific military and dual-use goods to Israel between 2024 and March 2025. The revelations spark debate over the interpretation of Swiss export laws and neutrality.
The Local Switzerland · +1 more
Defence
The Swiss government plans to reduce its order of F-35 jets from 36 to 30 due to price increases, while separately pushing forward with a controversial proposal to raise VAT to generate an additional CHF 31 billion for defence.
The Local Switzerland · +2 more
Defence
The Swiss army faces a significant delay in receiving its ordered US Patriot air defence systems. This article explores how heightened global demand, particularly from the Middle East, is impacting Switzerland's defence procurement schedule and national security preparedness.
SWI swissinfo.ch
National Security
A driving ban has been imposed on the Swiss army's entire fleet of 248 M113 armoured personnel carriers due to a critical steering and braking system defect, discovered during routine maintenance. The suspension is immediate and will last until the faults are rectified.
SWI swissinfo.ch
