Bern: Switzerland cannot defend itself against a full scale military attack with its current capabilities, according to the country’s army chief, who has issued a stark warning about gaps in national defence.
Lieutenant General Thomas Suessli, the head of the Swiss armed forces, said the country lacks enough equipment and preparedness to respond to a major conflict. He noted that only about one third of Swiss soldiers are currently fully equipped for combat operations.
Speaking as he prepares to step down from his post at the end of the year, Suessli stressed that Switzerland’s long standing policy of neutrality can only work if it is backed by strong and credible military capabilities. Without that, he said, neutrality risks becoming an empty concept.
The comments come at a time when European security concerns have grown due to ongoing global and regional tensions. While Switzerland does not face an immediate threat, military planners are reassessing risks in a more unstable world.
Switzerland currently spends around 0.7 percent of its gross domestic product on defence, one of the lowest levels in Europe. The government has approved gradual increases that would lift spending to around 1 percent of GDP by 2032, but military leaders say this may still not be enough to close capability gaps.
The country is in the process of modernising its armed forces, including the planned purchase of new fighter jets and air defence systems. However, these projects will take years to complete and face political debate over costs.
Suessli said restoring full defensive capability would require sustained investment and clear political decisions. He warned that rebuilding lost capacity cannot be done quickly and that delays could leave the country exposed in the event of a serious crisis.
The remarks have added urgency to Switzerland’s internal debate over defence spending and security policy, as lawmakers and the public weigh how best to protect the country while maintaining its tradition of neutrality.