Federal Council approves report on strengthening the defence capability of the Armed Forces and deepening international cooperation
Bern, 31.01.2024 - At its meeting on 24 January, the Federal Council approved the Report on Defence Capability and Cooperation, which addresses postulates submitted by the Council of States Security Policy Committee SPC-S (23.3000) and Council of States member Josef Dittli (23.3131). The report sets out how Switzerland intends to strengthen the defence capabilities of its Armed Forces and achieve closer, institutionalised cooperation with NATO while maintaining its neutrality.
In its supplementary report to the Security Policy Report of September 2022, the Federal Council stated that in view of the significant deterioration in the security situation there was a need to strengthen Switzerland’s defence capability. In addition, security and defence policy will be geared more consistently to international cooperation, especially with NATO, the EU and neighbouring countries. These two key areas of action are the subject of the postulates submitted by the SPC-S (23.3000) and Council of States member Josef Dittli (23.3131). As the strengthening of defence capability and intensification of international cooperation are closely linked and mutually beneficial, the Federal Council responded to both in a single report.
Strengthening the defence capability of the Armed Forces
Switzerland’s military capability development is focused on improving defence. Hybrid methods of warfare that combine various means of warfare including armed conflict are becoming increasingly common. The Armed Forces must be able to meet these diverse threats now and in the future. Their capabilities will be developed in a broad and balanced manner; however, in light of the worsening security situation, a particular focus will be placed on defence capabilities. Services related to supporting civilian authorities and military peacekeeping continue to be part of the Armed Forces’ mandate and will also be developed.
In responding to Postulate 23.3000, the Federal Council is setting out the conceptual basis for the 2024 Armed Forces Dispatch, which will enable the Federal Assembly to shape the longer-term development of the Armed Forces more strongly than before. The Federal Council will decide on this in February.
Intensifying cooperation
As a neutral state, Switzerland strives to ensure its defence independently. If attacked, however, it is free to organise its defence with other states. To this end, interoperability should be extended without creating obligations, dependencies or constraints that would conflict with neutrality. The current institutional framework for cooperation with NATO, the Partnership for Peace, also allows cooperation in the area of defence to be intensified in the future. More than in the past, cooperation should focus on aspects that are important for strengthening defence capabilities. Since cooperation is a give and take, and the readiness of partners is required, Switzerland will make substantial contributions, for instance by participating in multinational centres of excellence and in military peace support in conflict areas.
Need for legislative amendments to be examined
The report sets out specific measures to strengthen defence capabilities and intensify multilateral cooperation. Based on its conclusions, the Federal Council will consider whether or not to examine these measures in greater detail and decide on their implementation. This may include enabling conscript units to provide training services on training grounds in neighbouring countries or in multilateral exercises. It will also consider whether to deploy individual conscripts outside conventional military peace support operations for missions in multilateral staff structures or for training missions for third parties. The clarifications will also cover military mobility, in particular rules on the possible transit of partner nations’ military units.
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