Switzerland’s new army chief, Benedikt Roos, says the country has virtually no defense against emerging drone threats like those seen in the Middle East.
“Today’s world has become more complex, more dynamic and, in some respects, more dangerous,” Roos said at a military base in Thun. “When it comes to the threats we’re now seeing in Iran, we have more or less nothing, nothing at all, zero.”
His stark assessment highlights urgent vulnerabilities in Switzerland’s aerial defenses, with top priorities now focused on cyber resilience and long-range threat interception.
Last week, the Swiss government requested parliamentary approval for €3.7 billion in defense spending. The package includes €1 billion for German-made IRIS-T SLM missile systems and €76 million to counter mini-drones.
Defense Minister Martin Pfister confirmed that vehicle fleet renewals are being deprioritized to fast-track these critical capabilities over the next three years.
In a significant shift for the traditionally neutral nation, Switzerland also recently signed a joint declaration with the EU to deepen foreign policy and defense cooperation. A technical agreement will allow Swiss participation in EU-led civilian and military missions aimed at stabilizing Europe.