In a studyExternal link on “Security Policy Perspectives” released on Friday, Avenir Suisse writes that “the protection afforded by Switzerland’s geographical and political environment is waning”. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing armed conflict there represent “a turning point in the European post-war order. But for some time now, conflicts have also increasingly been waged below the actual threshold of war in ‘hybrid’ form”.
This includes cyber-attacks, it says. “Unconventional scenarios such as cyber-attacks on military and other critical infrastructure are gaining in significance by comparison with conventional armed threats,” notes Avenir Suisse.
Military means alone are not sufficient to control the threats to which Switzerland is exposed today, which also include pandemics, power shortages, mobile network outages, and terrorist attacks, both with and without drones, says the study.
Boosting defences
In spite of the new threats, the bulk of investments earmarked for upgrading Swiss army equipment in the coming decade are for purchasing conventional means, while only a small part of the budget is earmarked for increasing cyber defence, according to Avenir Suisse. Cybersecurity in Switzerland should be strengthened, both in the army and in critical infrastructure, it concludes.
The Swiss government announced last year a controversial decision to buy 36 new F-35 fighter aircraft from US manufacturer Lockheed Martin. “F-35A fighter planes are designed specifically for deployment within a military alliance (i.e. NATO),” writes Avenir Suisse. “To harness their full potential, transnational military cooperation should be stepped up, for example by taking part in NATO exercises.”
This means that Switzerland, which is not a member of NATO, would have to clarify “questions of neutrality”, it says.
Registration opens for Eurovision Song Contest 2025 tickets
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Registration for tickets to watch the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, which will be held in the Swiss city of Basel in May 12-17, opened on Monday.
Swiss Federal Railways’ new timetable passes ‘commuter test’
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The changeover to a new Federal Railways timetable went smoothly for Swiss commuters on Monday morning. Trains were punctual and no overcrowding was observed, say officials.
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Nestlé Waters faces a possible halt to its production of Perrier mineral water in the south of France due to health risks, according to French news reports.
Number of Swiss residents claiming benefits drops again
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A total of 249,700 people claimed some form of welfare in Switzerland in 2023, representing a social assistance rate of 2.8% - a level not seen since 2005.
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Swiss union criticizes ‘insufficient’ wage increases
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The case against Rifaat al-Assad, the uncle of ousted President Bashar al-Assad who is due to be tried by the Swiss Federal Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity, could be dropped.
Survey: 82% of Swiss want to ban mobile phones in schools
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The vast majority of Swiss residents (82%) want to ban mobile phones in schools, according to a survey published on Sunday. Even young people support the measure.
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The murder of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson in the US and sympathy for the crime are worrying signs for insurers, according to Swiss Re CEO Andreas Berger.
Swiss defence minister repeats calls for stronger army
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The Swiss armed forces need to be boosted and better prepared, argues Defence Minister Viola Amherd. Nato membership however is “not an option”.
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Defence Minister Viola Amherd is standing by the government’s decision to buy F-35A jets despite pushback from a left-wing coalition.
Swiss group campaigns against purchase of US fighter jets
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The government’s decision to buy F-35A jets from the US could be challenged in a popular vote if critics get enough signatures.
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