Confederation wants to maintain Thun areas for army and defense (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• The Confederation will not cede areas in the Thun Nord economic development pole
• Military areas must continue to be used for the army and relevant defense industries
• The DDPS has initiated a dialogue with the city of Thun for the long-term development of the area

Key facts

• What: Maintenance of military areas in the Thun Nord economic development pole

• Where: Thun, Canton Bern
• Who: Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS)
• Amount: Not specified

The Confederation does not intend to cede any of its areas in the Thun Nord economic development pole for exclusively civilian uses. The land of the current arms square must continue to be used for the army and relevant defense industries. This was stated today in a press release by the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS).

The Federal Council intends to "strengthen with determination the capability of defense of Switzerland". To this end, the necessary military infrastructure and areas must be protected, it is specified. Representatives of the army informed the city of Thun (BE) of these plans last August.

According to the DDPS, the arms square in Thun is of fundamental importance for military training and logistics. In the future, a "Defence Cluster" should emerge in the area and industry and research partners in the fields of robotics, cybersecurity or drones could be established, as stated in the press release.

Operational details

Implications for Thun and Switzerland

The maintenance of military areas in the Thun Nord economic development hub has significant implications for the city and for Switzerland. Thun could become a hub for the defense industry, with potential opportunities for the local economy. However, the presence of military areas could also pose challenges for urban development and quality of life. The dialogue between the DDPS and the city of Thun is an important step to ensure that the city's and other stakeholders' interests are taken into account in the long-term development of the area. Over the next 12-24 months, discussions will take place to integrate the city's and other stakeholders' interests into the planning process, as well as to explore opportunities for the local economic fabric.

Comparison with other military areas

The maintenance of military areas in the Thun Nord economic development hub is similar to what happens in other parts of Switzerland. For example, the Dübendorf airport is used for both civil and military purposes, while the Altdorf airport is used exclusively for military purposes. However, Thun is a unique case as it is located in an economic development area. The maintenance of military areas in the Thun Nord economic development hub could have a positive impact on national security and the local economy. However, it could also have a negative impact on quality of life and urban development. The dialogue between the DDPS and the city of Thun is an important step to ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are taken into account.

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Key points

What to do

If you are interested in learning more about maintaining military areas in the Thun North economic development pole, you can contact the DDPS or the city of Thun. You can also follow the talks between the DDPS and the city of Thun for the long-term development of the area.

Maintaining the military areas in the economic development pole of Thun Nord could have a significant impact on the city and Switzerland. It is important that the interests of all actors involved are taken into account in the long-term development of the area.

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Source: swissinfo.ch