The government has approved a security report that establishes guidelines for better cooperation between cantonal and federal agencies during the next few years.

Ueli Maurer, the Swiss defence minister, told reporters in Bern on Thursday that the new report establishes a national security network to streamline action in case of emergencies.

The plan reaffirms the idea of having an armed militia charged with defending the country from military attacks.

The Swiss military would also remain ready to help cantonal security forces when needed, such as after a natural catastrophe or during high-security events like the World Economic Forum (Wef) in Davos. Maurer added that maintaining Switzerland's elite troop force, the DRA 10, would not be called into question.

The report now heads to parliament. The document will help guide the future mandate of the Swiss army, which is scheduled to be unveiled in September.

A lingering question over whether Switzerland should replace its combat Tiger jet fleet should also be resolved by then, Maurer said.

swissinfo.ch and agencies

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