DDPS Strengthens Thun Headquarters for Defense and Innovation (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• The DDPS will retain the Confederation-owned areas on the Thun military base for military purposes.
• The areas will continue to be used for the needs of the army.
• The DDPS and the City of Thun will jointly promote the further development of the hub.

Key facts

• What: The DDPS will retain the Confederation-owned areas on the Thun military base for military purposes.
• When: The decision was communicated in August 2026.
• Where: Thun military base, Switzerland.
• Who: Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) and the City of Thun.
• Amount: Not specified.

The Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) has announced that it will continue to need the Confederation-owned areas on the Thun military base for military purposes in the future. These areas fall within the perimeter of the Thun Nord Economic Development Hub (EDH). Representatives of armasuisse and the army informed the City of Thun in August 2026. The DDPS and the City of Thun intend to use this starting point to jointly promote the further development of the hub as an important center for defense and innovation.

Federal Council Decision

The Federal Council's decision on the "Federal Council Guidelines for Defense 2026" of June 19, 2026, provides for a determined strengthening of Switzerland's defense capability. Consequently, the army must be rapidly reoriented to meet the changed geopolitical environment. To this end, necessary military infrastructure and areas must be protected and secured.

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Operational details

Practical Implications for Switzerland

The decision of the DDPS to maintain the areas owned by the Confederation on the Thun military training ground for military purposes has important practical implications for Switzerland. The Thun military training ground will be strengthened as a «Defence Cluster», a center for defense and innovation that will involve the army, industry, research, and innovation.

Collaboration between DDPS and the City of Thun

The DDPS and the City of Thun have initiated a collaborative dialogue regarding the long-term development of the site. The discussions will take place over a period of 12–24 months to take into account the interests of the City of Thun and other actors involved in the further development of the Defence Cluster. The goal is to reconcile the opportunities for the economic development and innovation hub of Thun with the operational, educational, and logistical needs of the army.

Potential for Innovation

The affected areas present potential for the settlement and networking of industrial and research partners relevant to defense, for example in the fields of drones, robotics, cybersecurity, or new technologies. This potential will be leveraged to further develop the Thun military training ground as a «Defence Cluster» and to strengthen collaboration between the army, industry, research, and innovation.

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Key points

Concrete actions for Swiss citizens

Swiss citizens can follow the development of the Thun Defence Cluster and the resulting innovation opportunities. DDPS and the City of Thun have initiated a collaborative dialogue regarding the long-term development of the venue, and the talks will take place over 12–24 months.

Step-by-step procedure

1. Follow news and updates on the development of the Thun Defence Cluster. 2. Participate in public interviews and consultations organized by DDPS and the City of Thun. 3. Explore opportunities for innovation and collaboration with the military, industry, research and innovation.

Useful tools and resources

For more information and useful resources, Swiss citizens can consult the DDPS and City of Thun website. In addition, they can use the salary calculator to assess the tax implications of new employment and innovation opportunities.

final CTA

To learn more about the tax implications of new job opportunities and innovation, see calcolatore stipendio.

Source: admin.ch