Swiss Doubt the Country's Defense Capabilities (cross-border guide)

Context

TL;DR

• 75% of Swiss doubt defense capabilities.
• Budget increase to 2% GDP by 2030 desired.
• Air defense costs 2B CHF, delayed 5 years.
• 30 F-35 jets purchased instead of 36.

Key facts

• Survey participants: 5,249 people
• Desired budget increase: 2% of GDP by 2030
• Air defense cost: 2 billion Swiss francs
• Air defense delay: Over five years
• F-35 purchase cost: 4 billion Swiss francs
• F-35 jets purchased: 30 instead of 36
• Ticino volunteers training: 500 people by 2025
• UN peace mission contribution: 100 soldiers

A recent survey conducted by Sotomo on behalf of Strategiedialog21 revealed that more than three-quarters of Swiss people doubt the country's defense capabilities. The survey, titled 'Barometer of Opportunities', interviewed 5,249 people and highlighted a strong link with the values of Western Europe. The majority of participants desire an increase in the military budget to 2% of GDP by 2030. This result underscores the general concern about Switzerland's military preparedness in the face of conventional and hybrid threats.

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Operational details

The discussion on the country's defense has led to various local and national initiatives. In Canton Ticino, for example, there have been debates on how to improve cooperation between armed forces and local authorities. The SUPSI (University of Swiss Italian) and USI (University of Swiss Italian) are working on projects that aim to integrate military research with the practical needs of the armed forces. A concrete example is the 'Defesa Integrata Ticino' project, which involves the creation of a joint research center for the development of innovative defensive technologies. Additionally, the EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) of Lugano is developing emergency plans that include scenarios of conventional and hybrid attacks, preparing for potential threats. A practical example is the emergency plan for the municipality of Bellinzona, which involves the rapid mobilization of local forces in case of a chemical attack.

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Key points

The discussion on the country's defense is a clear signal that Switzerland must act quickly to strengthen its defensive capabilities. Local and national authorities must work together to develop robust emergency plans and integrate new technologies into the armed forces. It is essential that Switzerland invests in research and development to stay at the forefront of defensive technologies.

In Canton Ticino, local authorities are already taking significant steps to improve the security of the territory. The SUPSI and USI are working on projects that aim to integrate military research with the practical needs of the armed forces. For example, the SUPSI has launched a research program aimed at developing new technologies for the detection and interception of aerial threats, with an annual budget of 5 million Swiss francs. The EOC of Lugano is developing emergency plans that include scenarios of conventional and hybrid attacks, preparing for potential threats. These plans have been tested in real simulations, involving local forces from Lugano and neighboring municipalities of Mendrisio and Bellinzona. The simulations have shown that with an annual investment of 2 million Swiss francs, Ticino can significantly improve its response capability in case of an emergency.

Another significant example is the 'Ticino Secure' project, launched in collaboration with the Swiss Army. This project aims to integrate artificial intelligence technologies into defense operations, with the goal of reducing the response time to threats by 30%. The project is funded with 3 million Swiss francs annually and involves the training of 100 new technology operators over the next five years.

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