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Switzerland Today

Swiss news in English

Saturday, January 18, 2025

Swiss Army Faces Budget Debate Amid Rising Threats

Published: 2024-12-03

Switzerland's Defense Minister Viola Amherd has proposed a 13 billion Swiss Franc investment plan for the Swiss Army, sparking debate in the Swiss Parliament.

The proposal aims to address modern challenges such as drone and cyber warfare, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Former Swiss intelligence chief Peter Regli highlights the severe security situation in Europe, emphasizing the need for Switzerland to adapt to hybrid warfare tactics, including misinformation and cyber attacks.

Critics argue that the Swiss government has not fully grasped the urgency of the situation, with some suggesting that the proposed budget may not be sufficient to equip the army adequately.

The debate continues as the Swiss Parliament considers whether to increase the military budget to 1% of GDP by 2030 or 2035, amid concerns that financial interests are overshadowing security needs.