Security for Switzerland
The DDPS has the task of developing Switzerland's security policy. The State Secretariat for Security Policy, the Armed Forces, the Federal Office for Civil Protection, the Federal Intelligence Service and armasuisse are the instruments through which that policy is implemented. The role of the DDPS also involves promoting sport through the Federal Office for Sport and producing geoinformation through swisstopo.
Media releases
State Secretary for Security Policy and Chief of the Armed Forces to attend Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore
From 31 May to 2 June, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) will bring together representatives from the security sector from the Asia-Pacific region, North America, Europe and the Middle East at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue to discuss current security policy challenges in Asia. Switzerland will be represented at the security summit by State Secretary for Security Policy Markus Mäder and Chief of the Armed Forces Thomas Süssli.
President Amherd and Bulgarian president Radev discuss bilateral relations, Europe and the security situation
On Monday 27 May, Swiss president Viola Amherd and Bulgarian president Rumen Radev discussed bilateral relations between their two countries, European policy, the security situation on the continent and the strengthening of multilateralism. The meeting took place in Bern.
Cyber Defence Campus launches Cyber Startup Challenge 2024
The DDPS Cyber Defence Campus is once again organising a Cyber Startup Challenge this year. Under the motto «Security of Artificial Intelligence», innovative solutions in the field of security of machine learning models (ML) and security checks in the field of artificial intelligence are being sought. The winner will receive a contract for a proof of concept and will be able to demonstrate their solution in a real DDPS environment. The closing date for applications is 31 August 2024.
Administrative units
Federal Intelligence Service
The Federal Intelligence Service is a Swiss security policy instrument with a mission that is clearly defined in legal terms. Its core tasks are prevention and situation assessment for the political leaders.
The Federal Office for Procurement (armasuisse)
The Federal Office for Procurement (armasuisse) is responsible for the research, development, evaluation, procurement, maintenance and liquidation of equipment and infrastructure for the armed forces and other customers.
State Secretariat for Security Policy SEPOS
The State Secretariat develops strategic options for action for the attention of political leaders. It also manages the three special services for Information Security, for Security background investigations and for Industrial Security.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
The National Cyber Security Centre is the federal government's competence centre for cybersecurity and thus the first point of contact for businesses, public services, educational institutions and the population when it comes to cyberissues.
Defence sector
The mission of the Armed Forces includes area security and defence, subsidiary operations to prevent and overcome mortal dangers as well as contributions to peace promotion within an international framework.
The Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP)
The Federal Office for Civil Protection coordinates the protection of the Swiss population against disasters and emergencies. It also plans the development of the civil protection and the civil defence organisations.
The General Secretariat of the DDPS
The General Secretariat of the DDPS supports the Head of Department as a member of the Federal Council and in the management of the department. It is responsible for implementing the political strategy in the administrative units.
Federal Office of Topography swisstopo
The Federal Office of Topography (swisstopo) is the centre of competence for the Swiss Confederation responsible for geographical reference data, for instance the description, representation and archiving of geographic spatial data.
The Federal Office for Sport (FOSPO)
The Federal Office for Sport is the state centre of expertise for sport. It fulfils the tasks arising from the government's promotion of gymnastics and sport, such as training, instruction, research and associated services.
Office of the Armed Forces Attorney General
The Office of the Armed Forces Attorney General is responsible in administrative and organisational terms for the fulfilment of the tasks of the military tribunal.
Contact
Bundeshaus Ost
CH - 3003 Bern