Defence Minister Viola Amherd said the government had come out in favour of increasing this year’s defence budget to CHF1.9 billion ($2.1 billion).
Expenditures for the armed forces should be raised by CHF600 million to a a total of CHF21.7 billion over the next four years.
The additional credits requested are in response to a request from parliament, according to a government statement on Wednesday.
Parliament has already decided to gradually increase army spending to at least 1% of Gross Domestic Product by 2030 at the latest.
Tanks and air defence
The higher spending cap will make it possible to bring forward certain planned projects that have already been assessed, Amherd told a news conference on Wednesday.
In recent years, the government and parliament have focused on airspace protection with the acquisition of the F-35 fighter jets and the ground-to-air system. However, not all equipment projects could be realised to fully ensure defence against an armed attack.
The increased funding will be used to fill the gaps. Specifically, the government wants to buy 24 wheeled grenadier tanks to increase the mobility of the ground forces. In addition, it plans to convert out-of-service ammunition for mine launchers into mortars.
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
Swiss parliament calls for deeper EU security cooperation
This content was published on
The House of Representatives has called on the Swiss government to take a more proactive approach to European security policy.
Switzerland has no US-style fentanyl problem, says health minister
This content was published on
There is very little chance of a US-sized fentanyl epidemic in Switzerland, says health minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider.
This content was published on
Two fish species recently discovered in Switzerland have been called fluvicola and ommata, following an appeal to the public for names.
Convicted ex-shipowner achieves partial success in Swiss court
This content was published on
The Federal Supreme Court orders lower court to reassess part of its verdict against former Swiss shipowner Hans-Jürg Grunder.
This content was published on
A Swiss moratorium on the genetic engineering of plants, which expires at the end of 2025, could be extended for five years.
SWISS airline achieves second-best profit in history
This content was published on
Revenues soared for Swiss International Air Lines in 2024, contributing to the second-largest profit in the company's history.
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.
Read more
More
Support grows for proposed Swiss army budget hike
This content was published on
Swiss military spending should increase from CHF5.6 billion a year to around CHF7 billion, according to a parliamentary chamber.
Swiss defence minister repeats calls for stronger army
This content was published on
The Swiss armed forces need to be boosted and better prepared, argues Defence Minister Viola Amherd. Nato membership however is “not an option”.
This content was published on
The government has revealed its savings ideas for the 2024 budget, including a smaller than planned boost in military spending.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
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.