Switzerland’s military is ill-prepared to repel a large-scale attack and urgently needs higher defence spending as security threats linked to Russia grow, the country’s armed forces chief has said.
Switzerland is not capable of defending itself against a full-scale military assault and must significantly increase defence spending as security risks linked to Russia rise, the country’s armed forces chief has warned.
In an interview with Swiss daily NZZ, armed forces head Thomas Suessli said Switzerland is equipped to handle cyber attacks and threats from non-state actors targeting critical infrastructure, but lacks the capability to respond to long-range or large-scale military attacks. Suessli is set to step down at the end of the year.
Suessli said the military continues to suffer from serious equipment gaps, noting that in a real emergency only about one-third of Swiss soldiers would be fully equipped.
Defence upgrades amid budget concerns
According to Reuters, Switzerland has begun increasing defence spending, modernising artillery and ground systems, and replacing ageing fighter jets with Lockheed Martin F-35As. However, these plans have faced criticism due to tight federal finances, particularly spending on artillery and ammunition.
Neutrality offers no protection without force
Suessli criticised what he described as Switzerland’s false sense of security rooted in neutrality and its lack of recent war experience. He said neutrality has value only if it can be defended militarily, adding that history shows several unarmed neutral countries were drawn into wars.
Spending targets seen as too slow
Switzerland has pledged to gradually raise defence spending to around 1 percent of GDP by about 2032, up from roughly 0.7 percent currently. This remains well below the 5 percent target agreed by NATO countries. Under current plans, Suessli said the Swiss military would only be fully ready by around 2050, calling the timeline too long given current threats.
Rising tensions in Europe
Earlier this month, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Russia had violated allied airspace, conducted sabotage and deployed spy ships, calling such actions reckless and dangerous.
In recent months, drones allegedly linked to Russia have entered Polish and Romanian airspace, disrupted airports and military facilities in Western Europe, and a key rail line between Warsaw and Kyiv was sabotaged in November. Poland has since deployed 10,000 troops to protect critical infrastructure, while Russia has denied any involvement.
Ukraine war and global security
Suessli said continued support for Ukraine remains essential, adding that he welcomed President Donald Trump’s efforts to bring the war to an end, while stressing the urgent need to stop the bloodshed.
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