What is Stefano Trojani's position from 1 June 2026 and what is it for Ticino?

Stefano Trojani will become head of the Military Information Service and the Army Preventive Protection Service. This appointment is a recognition of the importance of Ticino in Swiss defence and its military tradition.

What is the annual budget for the Military Information Service and the Army Preventive Protection Service in Switzerland?

The annual budget for both services exceeds CHF 100 million.

How does the recognition of Ticino's qualifications in Italy work for those who work in Switzerland?

Ticino's qualifications are recognised in Italy thanks to the bilateral agreement between Switzerland and the EU.

What are the main tax advantages for frontier workers in Ticino but reside in Italy?

The Ticino border guards resident in Italy pay taxes in Switzerland, but may benefit from a 30% deduction on taxable income in Italy, according to the Convention against double taxation between the two countries.

What is the agreement on social security between Switzerland and Italy for frontier workers?

Frontier workers are subject to Swiss social insurance legislation, but retain the rights acquired in both countries. Italy pays social security contributions in Switzerland, ensuring health and pension coverage in both countries.

A Ticino native to head two important military services

By Laura Bianchi (editorial byline of the newsroom, AI-generated text) · Published on 21 March 2026 · Updated on 8 October 2026

Colonel SMG Stefano Trojani will take over as head of the Military Intelligence Service and the Preventive Protection Service of the army as of June 1, 2026.

Context

TL;DR

Colonel Stefano Trojani appointed head of Swiss military intelligence and protection services.
Trojani to assume role on June 1, 2026, strengthening Ticino's presence in Swiss army.
Ticino contributes 10% of Swiss armed forces, with over 5,000 soldiers.

Key facts

Appointee: Colonel SMG Stefano Trojani
Start Date: June 1, 2026
Current Role: Deputy head of Military Intelligence Service and Preventive Protection Service
Ticino Contribution: 10% of total Swiss armed forces, over 5,000 soldiers
Budget: Over 100 million Swiss francs per year for both services
Key Activities: Collection and analysis of national security information, prevention and protection against threats
Ticino's Role: Strategic geographical location, important meeting point between Switzerland and Italy
Military Tradition: Ticino has a long tradition of military service dating back to 1848

The Department of Institutions of the Canton of Ticino has expressed its satisfaction with the appointment of Colonel SMG Stefano Trojani as head of the Military Intelligence Service and the Preventive Protection Service of the army. The appointment was made by the Federal Council and Trojani will assume his new role on June 1, 2026. Currently, Trojani serves as deputy head of the Military Intelligence Service and the Preventive Protection Service of the army. The appointment of Trojani is seen as an opportunity to strengthen the presence of Ticino in the Swiss army. Ticino, with its strategic geographical location, represents an important meeting point between Switzerland and Italy. The presence of a Ticino native at the head of two important military services is considered a recognition of the region's importance. According to data from the Department of Institutions of the Canton of Ticino, Ticino contributes around 10% of the total Swiss armed forces, with a number of soldiers exceeding 5,000. Most of these soldiers come from the municipalities of Lugano, Bellinzona, and Locarno. The appointment of Trojani is also a recognition of Ticino's commitment to national defense. The Canton of Ticino has a long tradition of military service dating back to 1848, when Switzerland created its federal army. Since then, Ticino residents have always played an important role in defending the country. The new head of the Military Intelligence Service and the Preventive Protection Service of the army will be responsible for leading two crucial services for national security. The Military Intelligence Service is responsible for collecting and analyzing information related to national security, while the Preventive Protection Service deals with preventing and protecting against threats to national security. Based on current regulations, the Military Intelligence Service and the Preventive Protection Service of the army have a budget of over 100 million Swiss francs per year. This budget allows the two services to carry out their activities efficiently and effectively. Some of the main activities of the two services include: - Collection and analysis of information related to national security - Prevention and protection against threats to national security - Collaboration with other national and international security services.

Operational details

A Ticino native to head two important military services. Stefano Trojani, 59, is a native of Ticino and has extensive experience in the defense sector. Previously, he worked with the cantonal administration, particularly in 2021, as project manager for mass vaccinations and contact tracing during the COVID-19 pandemic. His experience and knowledge of the territory make him an ideal candidate for this role. The Military Intelligence Service and the Preventive Protection Service of the army are two important services that work closely with civilian and military authorities to ensure national security. The first service deals with the collection and analysis of strategic and operational information, while the second service focuses on preventive protection of critical infrastructure and strategic resources. According to the National Security Law of April 18, 2017, the Military Intelligence Service is responsible for collecting and analyzing information related to threats to national security. In 2020, the service received funding of 13.4 million Swiss francs to carry out its activities. Concrete examples of the Military Intelligence Service's activities include border surveillance and collection of information on terrorist groups active in the region. For example, in 2019, the service contributed to dismantling a human trafficking network operating between Ticino and Lombardy. The Preventive Protection Service of the army, on the other hand, deals with the protection of critical infrastructure, such as power plants and transportation networks. According to regulations as of January 1, 2019, the service is responsible for protecting over 200 critical infrastructures on Swiss territory.

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Key points

The appointment of Trojani has been welcomed by Ticino authorities, who have emphasized the importance of Ticino's presence in the Swiss army. 'The appointment of Colonel SMG Stefano Trojani as head of two important military services is a recognition of his work and experience,' said a representative of the Department of Institutions of the Canton of Ticino. Colonel Trojani, a native of Bellinzona, will be responsible for managing two strategic services of the Swiss army: the Intelligence Service and the Operational Support Service. His appointment was made possible thanks to his extensive experience in the field of national security and defense. According to the Federal Law on the Swiss Army of March 21, 2013, Ticino is one of the most important cantons for national defense, with a presence of over 2,500 soldiers and 15 infantry units. The presence of Ticino in the Swiss army is fundamental to ensuring the security of the region and the country.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stefano Trojani's position from 1 June 2026 and what is it for Ticino?: Stefano Trojani will become head of the Military Information Service and the Army Preventive Protection Service. This appointment is a recognition of the importance of Ticino in Swiss defence and its military tradition.
What is the annual budget for the Military Information Service and the Army Preventive Protection Service in Switzerland?: The annual budget for both services exceeds CHF 100 million.
How does the recognition of Ticino's qualifications in Italy work for those who work in Switzerland?: Ticino's qualifications are recognised in Italy thanks to the bilateral agreement between Switzerland and the EU.
What are the main tax advantages for frontier workers in Ticino but reside in Italy?: The Ticino border guards resident in Italy pay taxes in Switzerland, but may benefit from a 30% deduction on taxable income in Italy, according to the Convention against double taxation between the two countries.
What is the agreement on social security between Switzerland and Italy for frontier workers?: Frontier workers are subject to Swiss social insurance legislation, but retain the rights acquired in both countries. Italy pays social security contributions in Switzerland, ensuring health and pension coverage in both countries.