What problems has Switzerland in its army amid war in Ukraine?
The state of the Swiss army does not meet modern requirements.
The uncertainty triggered by Russia’s war against Ukraine has led to an urgent need to enhance the country's defence capabilities.
While the Swiss parliament has approved an increase in military spending, the combat effectiveness of the Swiss Armed Forces remains a long-standing issue.
The new Swiss defence minister faces at least seven major challenges, as outlined in the SwissInfo article – Defenceless and neutral: Seven key challenges for the Swiss army.
The Swiss Armed Forces have been forced to continuously adapt to new threats over the past decades.
The last major military reform, aimed at the "further development of the army," was launched in 2010. The geopolitical situation has since changed drastically, and the Armed Forces still lack a clearly defined mission.
When asked about the progress in developing a new concept, current Defence Minister Viola Amherd referred to the Black Book of Defence, published in 2023.
Parliament deemed this insufficient though. In December 2024, it instructed the Federal Council to develop a "vision for a future combat-ready army."
An aerial attack is now considered the most realistic threat to Switzerland.
However, air defence remains a major vulnerability, as two key defence systems, fighter jets and the air defence system, are undergoing a deep and prolonged modernisation.
As a result, out of Switzerland’s 30 F/A-18 jets, only about a dozen have been operational in recent years.
Meanwhile, a modern air defence system is still in the development stage, and progress has been slow.
Parliament instructed recently the Armasuisse procurement agency to order new surface-to-air missiles capable of shooting down drones. The order was fast-tracked, but Armasuisse has yet to select a manufacturer.
Another "never-ending story" involves the purchase of fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets. The first deliveries are scheduled for 2028, but given the current global security situation, delays are possible.
Switzerland’s parliamentary finance delegation has raised concerns about procurement projects worth 19 billion Swiss francs, citing "delays, increasing risks, and insufficient resources." Meanwhile, the Swiss Federal Audit Office has criticised a 300-million-franc reconnaissance drone project, which requires costly modifications to meet Switzerland’s specific needs.
Besides air defence, digital infrastructure is another Achilles' heel of Switzerland’s defence. Switzerland is currently developing 22 key projects in digital transformation, yet almost none are progressing according to plan.
Another challenge is a lack of personnel. Key staff are increasingly leaving public service for the private sector, and filling vacancies takes significant time. The biggest concern, however, is the country’s demographic situation, which could further weaken recruitment.
Finally, Switzerland is also dealing with problems inherited from the past, including the disposal of old ammunition and ongoing issues surrounding the state-owned arms manufacturer Ruag.