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
Summit on Peace in Ukraine: state of preparations and security measures
90 states and organisations have so far registered to attend the summit on peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock (NW) on 15/16 June. The aim of the high-level meeting of heads of state and government is to develop a common understanding for a possible path towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. This will then form the basis for a peace process. On 10 June, President Viola Amherd, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and Nidwalden Cantonal Councillor Karin Kayser-Frutschi, together with Stephan Grieder, head of operations and chief of the Nidwalden Cantonal Police, and Major General Daniel Keller, Commander of Territorial Division 2, gave a briefing on the state of preparations and security measures.
Cooperation on military training: Slovenia and Switzerland sign agreement
The head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports, President Viola Amherd, and Slovenian Defence Minister Marjan Šarec signed an agreement in Bern on 10 June to strengthen cooperation on military training. The talks also focused on the current security situation in the Middle East, Ukraine and the Western Balkans.
Summit on Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock: Confederation to contribute to security costs
The Summit on Peace in Ukraine will take place on 15 and 16 June 2024 at the Bürgenstock resort in the canton of Nidwalden. A major security operation is in place to ensure the safety of the event and those attending. At its meeting on 7 June 2024, the Federal Council decided to consider the summit an 'extraordinary event'. This means that the Confederation will contribute to the security costs borne by the canton of Nidwalden.
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