The government has approved a security report that establishes guidelines for better cooperation between cantonal and federal agencies during the next few years.
This content was published on
1 minute
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.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here. Please join us!
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.
Read more
More
Technology opens cracks in Swiss defence
This content was published on
The system now being called into question is a form of so-called network centric warfare (NCW), already tried and tested by the United States and other military powers. “As platforms such as tanks, aircraft and vehicles have evolved they have developed various means of communicating with each other,” Tony Skinner of the military magazine Janes…
This content was published on
Entry requirements to the civilian alternative to military service were relaxed last April. Conscientious objectors are no longer required to undergo written and oral assessments by a committee to explain their motives. Even though the civilian alternative lasts one and a half times longer than military service, the number of applications leapt from around 1,700…
This content was published on
Before flying home she said her initial scepticism based on early and vague draft statements had disappeared after precise and analytical talks. World leaders endorsed President Barack Obama’s call for more security in the storage of nuclear material, tougher punishment for nuclear smugglers and less use of highly enriched uranium in the campaign against nuclear…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here. Please join us!
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.