Four mechanised battalions, along with a logistics battalion and a mountain infantry troop, started the training exercise on November 22. Other formations that participated in the exercise included an electronic warfare group and a Special Forces Command detachment.
The army wanted to evaluate its capacity to defend the country and its inhabitants in case of armed conflict. The exercise simulated a land attack from the north, through Basel.
Military top brass said on Monday that the exercises had been positive overall but commented that the armed forces could improve radio communication over different terrains.
The pacifist group ‘Switzerland Without an Army’ criticised the large-scale exercise as “absurd”, saying energies and resources would have been better directed at solving an even greater threat – climate change.
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Military fears links with business unravelling
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Besieged by an increasing number of overseas firms complaining that their staff are being taken away from work for military duty, the army has launched a charm offensive in an attempt to convince foreign executives of the benefits of the militia system. Equally at home amid the mud and explosions of battlefield exercises and multinational…
What can be done to protect biodiversity in your country?
Swiss voters are set to decide on a people’s initiative calling for better protection of ecosystems in the country. Have your say on the September 22 vote.
Switzerland edges closer to stricter screening of foreign investments
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Foreign investors are set to face greater scrutiny in Switzerland as one parliamentary chamber passes the so-called Lex China bill.
Increase in animal testing in Switzerland last year
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Almost 600,000 animals were used in animal experiments in Switzerland in 2023 - an increase of 1.6% compared to the previous year.
Beleaguered Swiss watch industry calls for political support
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The Swiss watch industry is going through difficult times as global demand declines and the strong franc piles on the pressure.
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Hollywood star Pamela Anderson will be honoured at the Zurich Film Festival for her career and role in the film The Last Showgirl.
Switzerland to host Ukraine mine action conference in October
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Together with Ukraine, Switzerland is organising the Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC2024) in Lausanne on October 17 and 18.
Switzerland revises pension expenditure downwards by billions
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The Swiss government has corrected downwards the projected expenditure on old-age and survivor insurance in 2033 by CHF2.5 billion ($2.66 billion).
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
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Government wants to boost ties with NATO
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Switzerland must strengthen its military cooperation with NATO in view of the war in Ukraine, while respecting its neutrality, says the government.
Poll: most Swiss are reluctant to increase defence spending
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A majority of the Swiss population is not in favour of increasing spending on defence, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.
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Switzerland will not change its policy of political neutrality despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the government has confirmed.
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Few people in Switzerland are aware of the existence of AAD10, an elite detachment that gets deployed only under government approval.
Government wants command centre in case of ‘nuclear event’
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The Swiss government on Friday laid out responsibilities in case of a nuclear attack or nuclear disaster linked to the war in Ukraine.
Right-wing starts collecting signatures for ‘neutrality initiative’
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A right-wing initiative has been launched which aims to prohibit Switzerland from entering into defence alliances and participating in sanctions.
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.