Switzerland has reiterated its desire to strengthen defence capabilities at a time when the European Union, under pressure, is investing to re-arm.
This agreement will enable the two countries to deepen their collaboration in the areas of defense research, development and innovation as well as defense procurement, the government said in a press release.
In the medium and long term, this strengthening of existing relations will benefit both Switzerland’s defence capability and its industry, it adds. The two countries collaborate in particular on drones, robotics, technological forecasting and anticipation.
The Federal Council wants to strengthen its defense capability by deepening its relations with its international partners, it adds. All the while respecting its “neutrality obligations”.
This announcement comes against a tense backdrop in Europe. In recent weeks, Europe has been working hard to find a way of re-arming itself in order to compensate for American disengagement and confront the Russian threat.
Earlier this month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced an €800 billion plan to re-arm Europe.
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Swiss defence spending ‘a joke’, say German politicians
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This article was corrected on March 18, 2025. In a first version it stated that the memorandum of understanding already had been signed. This is not the case. Also precision of the content of the memorandum was enhanced.
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