Is Switzerland really in Russia's crosshairs according to the authorities?

Yes, according to Benedikt Roos, head of the Swiss army, in an interview with SRF. Switzerland is "a potential target" because it is part of the Western/democratic world and has critical infrastructures important for Europe (electricity and gas distribution, north-south connections, data centers). An actor like Russia could hit precisely these points to destabilize the whole of Europe.

What are the concrete threats according to the army chief?

Hybrid and military threats. Drones containing explosives were found in Leipzig, Germany. In Switzerland, Roos detects "more drone flights on critical infrastructure". 80% of unauthorized overflights on Swiss military installations come from tourists and private individuals; 20% remain unknown and constitute a worrying unknown. In addition, Switzerland lacks an adequate missile defense system against cruise or ballistic missiles.

Does Switzerland have a missile defense?

No, according to Roos. “When we talk about defending against cruise or ballistic missiles, we have big gaps here.” The Patriot system, destined to fill the void, suffers delays and costs rise. The army is considering alternatives to fill "this gap more quickly". Switzerland does not currently have adequate protection against such air threats.

What is the army doing to defend itself from drones?

The number of small reconnaissance drones supplied to troops has "increased tenfold in a year", but Roos admits that "this is one of the gaps that we must urgently fill". Offensive drone reconnaissance capability has increased, but drone defense capability remains insufficient and a priority.

Why does Roos insist on public awareness?

Because the political decisions and funding needed for defense require the support of public opinion. “Awareness isn't there yet,” Roos says. "The awareness that Switzerland could enter a crisis is not yet sufficiently entrenched". Without pressure from citizens, it is difficult to obtain the funds and political priorities needed to strengthen national defenses.

Chief of the Army: Switzerland Russia's target (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 8 September 2026

View of Castelgrande fortress in Bellinzona, symbol of Ticino's military heritage

Army chief Benedikt Roos warns: Switzerland is in Moscow's crosshairs. Hybrid threats to critical infrastructure, drones on military sites, and gaps in missile defense.

Context

In brief

Army chief Roos: Switzerland is target for Russia
Hybrid threats on European critical infrastructure
80% of unauthorized drones from tourists, 20% unknown
Lack of anti-missile system, Patriot delayed

Key facts

What: Statement from army chief on Russian threats to Switzerland
When: Recent interview on SRF (January 2026 at the head of the army)
Where: Zurich, Switzerland
Who: Benedikt Roos, 61 years old, corps commander and army chief
Reasons: Critical infrastructure (electricity, gas, north-south corridors, data centers)
Gaps: Lack of anti-missile defense and insufficient anti-drone capabilities
Main concern: Poor awareness among Swiss population

Switzerland is in Russia's crosshairs. This is what Benedikt Roos, 61, head of the Swiss armed forces since last January, said in an interview with SRF that leaves no room for interpretation. 'Yes,' he replied when asked the direct question: 'Is Switzerland a target for Moscow?'.

Why Switzerland is a target

According to the commander, the reason lies in the country's geopolitical position and the infrastructure it possesses. 'Switzerland has critical infrastructure that is important for all of Europe: the distribution of electricity and gas, the main north-south links, major data centers'. These services are fundamental to the functioning of the economy and to the cost of living of all residents. An actor like Russia could strike precisely these points to destabilize all of Europe.

Roos frames the risk in a perspective of systemic confrontation. 'It is a struggle between systems: the liberal and democratic world against the autocratic one. More than ever we are part of the Western world and are therefore a potential target'. Not only direct military attacks, then, but hybrid threats capable of compromising essential services.

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Operational details

Missile Defense Gaps

The head of the army does not hide a fact that should worry all Swiss residents: Switzerland does not have a reliable missile defense system. Asked directly about the previous statement that Switzerland "would have nothing in terms of missile defense", Roos does not deny. "Yes, that's right, when we talk about defense against cruise or ballistic missiles. We have big gaps here. "

The Patriot system, which is supposed to fill this gap, is lagging behind and costs are rising. "The new Patriot system suffers delays and becomes more expensive: we are therefore evaluating alternatives to fill this gap more quickly." It means that Switzerland, at the moment, does not have adequate protection against threats that could come from the sky.

Boosting anti-drone capabilities

Roos' concern is also about speed in bridging the gap. The armed forces have made progress, but insufficient. “We're upgrading our capabilities. The number of small reconnaissance drones supplied to troops has increased tenfold in a year. Now we need to make progress in defense against drones. This is one of the gaps that we urgently need to fill. "

Decreasing reconnaissance by drone is useful, but if you can't shoot down enemy drones it remains a vulnerability. The army knows to hurry.

What it means for Swiss citizens

Those who live in Switzerland must

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Key points

How to Stay Informed and Aware

The first action is to take seriously the warning from the head of the army. This is not alarmism, but an assessment from an authority that knows the threats in detail. Swiss citizens, for the first time in decades, must consider that the country is not immune from global conflicts.

Following official communications from the Swiss army is essential. Monitoring reliable information channels (SRF, RSI, RTS) allows you to stay updated on concrete developments, not speculation. The army continues to constantly monitor Swiss airspace.

The Swiss army is working to fill the defense gaps identified by Roos. The stated priorities are three: strengthening anti-drone defense, finding alternatives to the Patriot system for anti-missile defense, strengthening public awareness of the threat.

The necessary funds will be discussed in the Federal Parliament. This means that Swiss citizens, through their representatives, will be involved in decisions on how to invest in defense measures. Investments in military capacity and protective infrastructure become a concrete political priority.

Awareness as the Foundation of Security

Roos emphasizes a crucial point: without public awareness, there is no political will for difficult and costly decisions. Swiss citizens must understand that their economic well-being depends on maintaining safe and functioning critical infrastructure.

Those living in Switzerland should not fear an imminent war, but must understand that the geopolitical context requires serious preparation. Supporting investments in defense, maintaining airspace monitoring, encouraging research into protective technologies: these are the concrete tasks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Switzerland really in Russia's crosshairs according to the authorities?: Yes, according to Benedikt Roos, head of the Swiss army, in an interview with SRF. Switzerland is "a potential target" because it is part of the Western/democratic world and has critical infrastructures important for Europe (electricity and gas distribution, north-south connections, data centers). An actor like Russia could hit precisely these points to destabilize the whole of Europe.
What are the concrete threats according to the army chief?: Hybrid and military threats. Drones containing explosives were found in Leipzig, Germany. In Switzerland, Roos detects "more drone flights on critical infrastructure". 80% of unauthorized overflights on Swiss military installations come from tourists and private individuals; 20% remain unknown and constitute a worrying unknown. In addition, Switzerland lacks an adequate missile defense system against cruise or ballistic missiles.
Does Switzerland have a missile defense?: No, according to Roos. “When we talk about defending against cruise or ballistic missiles, we have big gaps here.” The Patriot system, destined to fill the void, suffers delays and costs rise. The army is considering alternatives to fill "this gap more quickly". Switzerland does not currently have adequate protection against such air threats.
What is the army doing to defend itself from drones?: The number of small reconnaissance drones supplied to troops has "increased tenfold in a year", but Roos admits that "this is one of the gaps that we must urgently fill". Offensive drone reconnaissance capability has increased, but drone defense capability remains insufficient and a priority.
Why does Roos insist on public awareness?: Because the political decisions and funding needed for defense require the support of public opinion. “Awareness isn't there yet,” Roos says. "The awareness that Switzerland could enter a crisis is not yet sufficiently entrenched". Without pressure from citizens, it is difficult to obtain the funds and political priorities needed to strengthen national defenses.