Swiss army chief warns: Neutrality does not protect against threats!

Swiss army chief warns: Neutrality does not protect against threats!

Switzerland's army chief, Thomas Süssli, recently expressed reservations about the current security situation and the country's defense capability. Despite the destabilized geopolitical situation triggered by the Russian attack on Ukraine in February 2022, Swiss politicians remain relatively unaffected. Süssli notes that the conflict in Ukraine is perceived by many as distant, even though only two countries - Hungary and Austria - lie between Switzerland and Ukraine.

Süssli emphasizes that the lack of a “jolt” from society is due to various factors. He also criticizes the widespread idea that Switzerland's neutrality automatically offers protection. The responsibility that the army chief bears for the troops is not insignificant; He explained that in an emergency only a third of the soldiers would be fully equipped.

The need for international cooperation

Süssli makes it clear that Switzerland cannot defend itself autonomously. In order to meet the challenging security environment, the army must work interoperably with other armed forces, which has been part of the defense strategy for decades. The Swiss Army's international cooperation includes not only cooperation with other armies, but also air force exercises and contributions to military peacebuilding, such as the deployment in Kosovo as part of KFOR.

Switzerland regularly trains in missions abroad, for example in night and low-level flights in Great Britain. The army is also active in humanitarian operations, such as support during the forest fires in Greece in 2023. But despite these efforts, Süssli dampened expectations, considering that it could take until 2050 to make the country fully defense-ready if one percent of the gross domestic product is only invested from 2032 or 2035.

Defense spending and security concerns

Another point of concern is the development of defense spending, which has fallen from 1.6% of GDP in 1990 to just 0.67% in 2024. This shows a total deficit of 144 billion francs, which no longer covers the operating costs of the modern army. Martin Pfister, the newly elected head of the Defense Department, has stressed the need to strengthen the army's defense capability in order to protect Switzerland's values ​​and institutions.

Pfister plans to increase defense spending to 1% of GDP by 2032. The military capability, which is often described by the motto “Switzerland has no army, it is an army”, is supported by many reservists and the equipment they have at home. Expanding air defense and cooperation with neighboring countries and international organizations such as NATO are also on the agenda to ensure access to important technologies and strengthen the security architecture.

Overall, it is clear that the Swiss Army is facing major challenges and that comprehensive preparations and investments in defense capability are urgently needed in order to keep pace with international developments. These findings underline the need to think about Switzerland's arms and security strategy and adapt it accordingly.

For further information and background information, you can read the reports from Small newspaper, VTG and South German newspaper read.