The existing framework, established by the Principles of the Swiss Federal Council for the Armaments Policy of the DDPS (2018) and the DDPS Armaments Strategy (2020), is rooted in the 2016 Security Policy Report. However, recent developments, including the war in Ukraine, have prompted a reassessment. The 2022 Supplementary Report to the Security Policy Report emphasised the need to bolster defence capabilities and strengthen international cooperation.
To enhance the Swiss Armed Forces’ defence capabilities and resilience, the new strategy will address five core priorities. Firstly, Switzerland will reinforce its domestic industrial capabilities to ensure the sustainability of its armed forces. Secondly, it aims to boost the evaluation and development of new technologies within Switzerland to better equip its military.
In addition, the Federal Council plans to deepen Switzerland’s contribution to European security in the armaments sector, recognising the link between collective and national security. International cooperation will also be enhanced through streamlined armaments procurement processes. Finally, the council seeks to align procurement more closely with rapid technological advancements, ensuring flexibility and speed.
The Federal Office for Defence Procurement, armasuisse, will lead the strategy’s development in collaboration with the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), and other federal agencies. Industry stakeholders and technological experts will also play a key role. Coordination with the 2025 Security Policy Strategy, currently in progress, will ensure alignment across national defence priorities.
The Federal Council aims to finalise and adopt the new Armaments Policy Strategy by mid-2025. According to the council, this strategy will “address Switzerland’s defence needs while enhancing cooperation in Europe”.
Source: Swiss Federal Council.
