Four mechanised battalions, along with a logistics battalion and a mountain infantry troop, started the training exercise on November 22. Other formations that participated in the exercise included an electronic warfare group and a Special Forces Command detachment.
The army wanted to evaluate its capacity to defend the country and its inhabitants in case of armed conflict. The exercise simulated a land attack from the north, through Basel.
Military top brass said on Monday that the exercises had been positive overall but commented that the armed forces could improve radio communication over different terrains.
The pacifist group ‘Switzerland Without an Army’ criticised the large-scale exercise as “absurd”, saying energies and resources would have been better directed at solving an even greater threat – climate change.
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Military fears links with business unravelling
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Besieged by an increasing number of overseas firms complaining that their staff are being taken away from work for military duty, the army has launched a charm offensive in an attempt to convince foreign executives of the benefits of the militia system. Equally at home amid the mud and explosions of battlefield exercises and multinational…
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Zurich arbitration authority rules in favour of tenants of ‘Sugus Houses’
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A conciliation authority says the terminations of 105 flat leases in the so-called "Sugus Houses" in the centre of Zurich were abusive. The tenants therefore do not have to move out - at least for the time being.
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Visitors to Switzerland spent CHF19.6 billion ($23.9 billion) last year, a 2.2% rise compared to the previous year, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) said on Monday.
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Despite the current tense economic situation, Swiss consumer sentiment remains positive. The Swiss spent more money in May than the previous year, particularly on restaurant visits and leisure activities, as shown by the latest figures released by PostFinance.
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A bear killed four sheep in the Lower Engadine region near Scuol, canton Graubünden, last week. This was the first bear attack on local livestock in four years.
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Experts believe that economic development in Switzerland will be weaker in 2026 than the forecasts made three months ago. They have also lowered their predictions for the current year.
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Fewer people in Switzerland have a religious affiliation and the proportion who practice their religion regularly is steadily declining, a survey finds.
Study: trees have major cooling effect even in extreme heat
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Plane trees in cities have an important cooling effect even in extreme heat, according to a new study by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL).
EPFL launches digitised version of Battle of Murten panorama
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To mark the anniversary of the Battle of Murten on 22 June 1476, the Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) has launched a website that offers the public an immersive experience of the huge panorama painting of the historic battle.
77th Swiss Gymnastics Festival praised for ‘positive energy’
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The 77th Federal Gymnastics Festival drew to a close on Sunday in Lausanne, after eleven days of popular celebration and sporting performances.
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Government wants to boost ties with NATO
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Switzerland must strengthen its military cooperation with NATO in view of the war in Ukraine, while respecting its neutrality, says the government.
Poll: most Swiss are reluctant to increase defence spending
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A majority of the Swiss population is not in favour of increasing spending on defence, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.
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Switzerland will not change its policy of political neutrality despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the government has confirmed.
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Few people in Switzerland are aware of the existence of AAD10, an elite detachment that gets deployed only under government approval.
Government wants command centre in case of ‘nuclear event’
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The Swiss government on Friday laid out responsibilities in case of a nuclear attack or nuclear disaster linked to the war in Ukraine.
Right-wing starts collecting signatures for ‘neutrality initiative’
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A right-wing initiative has been launched which aims to prohibit Switzerland from entering into defence alliances and participating in sanctions.
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.