Switzerland’s air force chief has stated the country is not defense-ready, highlighting major gaps in aerial defenses against drones, long-range threats, and cyber attacks. New armed forces chief Benedikt Roos warned of ‘zero’ capability against drone attacks seen in Middle East conflicts, demanding urgent investments.
Roos identified cyber threats and long-distance attacks as top priorities. This assessment aligns with army chief Thomas Süssli’s earlier statement that only 33% of forces could deploy fully equipped in an emergency, amid Russian threats across Europe.
Post-Cold War budget cuts shrank the army from 600,000 to 140,000 troops, aging equipment and rendering facilities obsolete. Modern procurement delays mean F-35A fighters and new systems won’t integrate until the late 2030s, with full readiness not until 2050.
The government seeks €3.7 billion for ground-based air defenses, drone protection, and cyber enhancements. It cut F-35 orders to 30 jets due to $1.3 billion cost overruns, approving $500 million extra instead, while eyeing a second European Patriot-like system by 2027.
Funding may involve a 0.8% VAT hike for 10 years, pending referendum. These moves underscore Switzerland’s shift from neutrality reliance to armed defense amid Europe’s deteriorating security, prioritizing operational readiness over pacifism.