Swiss Armed Forces
Three tasks – one goal: Security for our country. The Swiss Armed Forces defends our country and people against a military attack. It supports the civilian authorities in dealing with natural disasters and in countering serious threats to internal security. And it assists within the context of international peace support and humanitarian aid.
Media releases
35 years of UN missions by the armed forces – further steps to strengthen Switzerland's engagement
35 years ago, Swiss soldiers were deployed to UNTAG in Namibia. It was the first time that Switzerland had contributed to a UN mission. Over time, the Swiss Armed Forces have proven themselves to be a reliable partner of this organisation. By registering with the UN Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System, Switzerland will be able to strengthen this cooperation in the future. As a next step, the UN will carry out an assessment of the Swiss Armed Forces' registered capabilities.
Chief of Armament Urs Loher on a working visit to Norway
Chief of Armament Urs Loher will travel to Norway for a bilateral meeting with his Norwegian counterpart Rolf Kjos. Within this meeting, the discussions will focus on current issues and procurement projects such as the medium-range ground-based air defence programme.
Summit on Peace in Ukraine: state of preparations and security measures
90 states and organisations have so far registered to attend the summit on peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock (NW) on 15/16 June. The aim of the high-level meeting of heads of state and government is to develop a common understanding for a possible path towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. This will then form the basis for a peace process. On 10 June, President Viola Amherd, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and Nidwalden Cantonal Councillor Karin Kayser-Frutschi, together with Stephan Grieder, head of operations and chief of the Nidwalden Cantonal Police, and Major General Daniel Keller, Commander of Territorial Division 2, gave a briefing on the state of preparations and security measures.
Cooperation on military training: Slovenia and Switzerland sign agreement
The head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports, President Viola Amherd, and Slovenian Defence Minister Marjan Šarec signed an agreement in Bern on 10 June to strengthen cooperation on military training. The talks also focused on the current security situation in the Middle East, Ukraine and the Western Balkans.
Summit on Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock: Confederation to contribute to security costs
The Summit on Peace in Ukraine will take place on 15 and 16 June 2024 at the Bürgenstock resort in the canton of Nidwalden. A major security operation is in place to ensure the safety of the event and those attending. At its meeting on 7 June 2024, the Federal Council decided to consider the summit an 'extraordinary event'. This means that the Confederation will contribute to the security costs borne by the canton of Nidwalden.
Armed Forces Staff
The Armed Forces Staff (AFS) supports the Chief of the Armed Forces in leading the Defence sector. It is responsible for implementation of the political directives and military-strategic instructions. It also ensures development, planning, resource allocation as well as steering of the armed forces and is accountable for Defence sector management and control. Through directives the Armed Forces Staff controls the operational level with its training, operations and support sectors.
Joint Operations Command
The Joint Operations Command is responsible for planning and leading operations of the Swiss Armed Forces.
Events
Contact
Bundeshaus Ost
CH - 3003 Bern