Media releases
NSB
12 cm Mortar 16: Successful handover of training simulator systems to the Forces
The Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse delivered the Modular Subsystem Simulators (MTSS) for the 12 cm Mortar 16 to the Tank and Artillery Training Unit on the military training area Bière at the beginning of November. The simulator systems are used for training the future crews of the 12 cm Mortar 16 and enable realistic training under various different operating conditions.
Drones, Counter-Drone Systems and Robotics: DDPS Sets Strategic Priority to Strengthen Defence Capabilities
In light of the current threat landscape, the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection, and Sports (DDPS) is placing a strategic focus on drones, drone defense, and robotics. Through the Center for Unmanned Systems, the DDPS aims to work with the scientific community and industry to develop, test, and integrate new technologies into the armed forces more quickly. A new drone battalion and a dedicated drone recruit school will strengthen military capabilities and training. At the same time, the DDPS is investing in drones and systems to counter them, and is aligning its procurement strategy with rapid technological developments. In addition, the legal framework and areas of responsibility are being adapted to the threat landscape.
National Armaments Director to participate in the NATO Committee of National Armament Directors
National Armaments Director Urs Loher will take part in the meeting of the NATO Committee of National Armaments Directors (CNAD) on 29 October 2026, which will be held with NATO partner states in Brussels. The National Armaments Director will also use the opportunity to meet with his counterparts for bilateral talks at the event. In addition, the National Armaments Director will hold a work meeting with the Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency (EDA), Major General André Denk.
armasuisse takes part in DACH meeting of research directors of Defence Procurement Groups in Austria
On 21 and 22 October 2026, the research directors of the Defence Procurement Groups from Germany, Austria and Switzerland met in Graz, Austria. Switzerland was represented by Thomas Rothacher, Head of armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T) and a delegation. The talks focused on current developments in defence research as well as the potential for closer cooperation between the DACH countries in research and technology.
Swiss Drone Security Forum 2026: Strengthening the Swiss drone ecosystem
On 19 October 2026, the Taskforce Drones will host the first edition of the Swiss Drone Security Forum 2026. The event will take place at the Thun military training area and will bring together more than 300 stakeholders from Swiss research, the armed forces, the administration, authorities, politics and industry. The aim of the joint exchange during the Security Forum will be to strengthen Switzerland’s drone ecosystem.
Procurement of electronic attack systems: Federal Council approves participation in the Knifefish Memorandum of Understanding
Switzerland wants to modernise its electronic warfare capabilities and so is taking part in a European programme to procure electronic attack systems. At its meeting on 14 October, the Federal Council approved Switzerland’s participation in the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of electromagnetic combat capabilities for electronic attack (MoU Knifefish).
National Armaments Director holds work discussions with the French Directorate General of Armament (DGA) in Bern
National Armaments Director Urs Loher received representatives from the French Directorate General of Armament (DGA) from 1 to 2 October 2026 for bilateral work discussions. The discussions focused on current defence policy developments as well as bilateral cooperation.
Swiss delegation signs first F-35A – production and delivery of the fighter aircraft on track
The first Swiss F-35A fighter aircraft is taking shape: A delegation with the Chief of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Benedikt Roos, the National Armaments Director Urs Loher and the Commander of the Air Force, Major General Christian Oppliger, signed a structural component of the first F-35A destined for Switzerland on 21 September 2026. During a visit to the Lockheed Martin facility in Fort Worth, Texas, the representatives from the DDPS were briefed on the production status and exchanged views with representatives from the US armed forces and the manufacturer.
National Armaments Director visits the Czech Republic
National Armaments Director Urs Loher will visit the Czech Republic on 16 September 2026. During his visit, the National Armaments Director will be meeting with the Czech National Armaments Director, General Jan Gurník, as well as representatives from industry.
Switzerland to take part in European defence project for mobile energy supply
Switzerland is enhancing its international cooperation in the defence area – armasuisse takes part in the research project “Fuel Cells for Soldier Systems II” (FUSS II) of the European Defence Agency (EDA). On 3 September 2026, all parties involved signed the project agreement. The project will develop portable fuel cells for use by members of the armed forces and other mobile applications. Switzerland is thus strengthening its European cooperation in research and technology.
Swiss F-35A on track: First components will be manufactured in Italy
Production of the Swiss F-35A is proceeding as planned: The first fuselage section was assembled with the first wing in Cameri, Italy. Cameri is home to the only F-35 final assembly line in Europe and is part of the international production network. The first F-35A from Cameri is to be transferred directly to Switzerland in mid-2028.
National Armaments Director visits Japan
National Armaments Director Urs Loher was on a business trip in Japan from 4 to 7 August 2026. The work-related discussions and meetings with authorities and industry focused on armament policy topics and potential future cooperations in the defence sector.
Switzerland expands international cooperation in ammunition procurement
Switzerland is taking part in the Ammunition Support Partnership (ASP) of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). This promotes the joint procurement of ammunition as well as its monitoring and environmentally sound disposal. Thanks to economies of scale, the costs of procurement can be reduced and the delivery times shortened.
National Armaments Director visits Israel
National Armaments Director Urs Loher visited Israel on 13–14 July 2026 for official meetings with representatives of the Israeli Ministry of Defence's Directorate for International Defence Cooperation (SIBAT) and the defence industry
F-35A procurement: Further offset projects are strengthening Swiss industry – target values are being clearly surpassed
armasuisse and Lockheed Martin are substantiating further projects for F-35A procurement with an addendum to the existing offset agreement. These projects are specifically strengthening security-relevant key technologies, industrial capabilities and Switzerland’s resilience. The specifications will be significantly exceeded if successfully implemented: Altogether, it is anticipated that offset business amounting to around 73% of the value of the contract will be achieved – instead of the required 60%. The regional target values will also be far exceeded: In French-speaking Switzerland, the expected share is around 40% above the specification; in Italian-speaking Switzerland, the target value is expected to be as much as around 140% overfulfilled.
Strengthening the resilience and sustainability of the Swiss Armed Forces: Switzerland hosted the 13th meeting of the research working group Energy and Environment of the European Defence Agency
More than 70 experts from 18 European nations came together on 23 and 24 June 2026 at the meeting of the “Energy and Environment Capability Technology Group” (EnE CapTech) of the European Defence Agency (EDA) in Zurich. Representatives from defence ministries, EU organisations, industry and research institutions from EU member states and partner states discussed challenges and solutions to promote European research and technological development in the energy sector and thus to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the armed forces of the states involved.
Visit by the Deputy National Armaments Director to the Eurosatory
A delegation from armasuisse led by the Deputy National Armaments Director Thomas Rothacher visited the international arms fair Eurosatory in Paris from 15 to 17 June 2026.
European Land Robot Trial (ELROB) 2026: Robotics for security-relevant operations
From 15 to 19 June 2026, armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T) will be host to the European Land Robot Trial (ELROB), in cooperation with the Fraunhofer FKIE from Germany and RUAG AG. Over four days, the Military Training Area in Thun will become the setting for deploying land robots in realistic military and civilian scenarios. ELROB is the most established event of this kind in Europe.
armasuisse signs contract for new artillery system
The Swiss Armed Forces are modernising their artillery. Today’s armoured howitzer M109 dates back to the 1960s and is to be replaced by a new system. For this purpose, armasuisse has signed the procurement contract with the German manufacturer KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG.
Useful life of F/A-18C/D of the Swiss Air Force extended
The work for extending the useful life of the F/A-18C/D combat aircraft of the Swiss Air Force is complete. The operational readiness of the Swiss F/A-18C/D fleet is therefore ensured into the early 2030s and thus up to the introduction of the new F-35A combat aircraft.
Long-range ground-based air defence: Information received from contacted providers
The Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse today received the last documents from the contacted manufacturers in four countries regarding an additional system for long-range ground-based air defence. The information received is now being analysed and will serve as a basis, so that the Federal Council will be able to decide on the next steps over the summer.
First Swiss F-35A reaches important production milestone
Main assembly of the first F-35A aircraft destined for Switzerland has begun in the USA. The Swiss F-35 programme is thus reaching a further important milestone on the way to delivery of the first aircraft from mid-2027.
Research Program Security: The DDPS and the ETH domain are strengthening research in the area of security and defence
The Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse and the ETH domain are strengthening their strategic cooperation in security-relevant research. The aim of the programme “Research Program Security” launched in October 2025 is to develop innovative ideas and solutions for the current challenges in the area of security and defence. Eight projects from the first call will be launched from May 2026. armasuisse will provide two million Francs for this purpose.
Innosuisse and armasuisse launch a call for projects in the field of dual-use technologies
Through this initiative, Innosuisse and the Federal Office for Defence Procurement (armasuisse) aim to strengthen research, development and innovation in the fields of security and defence, whilst generating tangible benefits for the economy and civil society. The call for projects focuses on dual-use technologies, i.e. those that can be used in both civilian and security sectors. It contributes to the implementation of the armament policy strategy of the Federal Council and will be launched on 1 July 2026. The budget for this initiative amounts to CHF 20 million and will be shared between Innosuisse and armasuisse.
‘Stay safe online and offline’ – Raising awareness at the 2026 BEA spring fair
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will be hosting an interactive exhibition at the BEA spring fair in Bern between 24 April and 3 May to raise public awareness of cybersecurity. Working alongside Swiss Crime Prevention (SCP), the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), Swiss Post, the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (eBanking – but secure! EBAS) and Netpathie, the NCSC will demonstrate the reality of digital threats and how simple measures can provide effective protection.
Federal Councillors Martin Pfister, Ignazio Cassis and Beat Jans to attend the Munich Security Conference
Federal Councillors Martin Pfister, Ignazio Cassis and Beat Jans will attend the Munich Security Conference (MSC 26) from 13 to 15 February. In a rapidly changing security environment, this conference offers an opportunity for high-level discussions on how to strengthen Europe's security. It also provides a platform for promoting values such as peace and the rule of law.
National Armaments Director on business trip in Singapore and South Korea
National Armaments Director Urs Loher was on a business trip in Singapore and South Korea from 2 to 6 February 2026. As part of this trip, meetings were held with various authorities, organisations and companies. In addition, the National Armaments Director visited the Singapore Airshow 2026.
Switzerland held a research workshop on deception technologies together with NATO partners
On 14 and 15 January 2026, the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse held a workshop on technologies for military deception together with the NATO Science and Technology Organisation (STO). More than 90 national and international experts from science, industry and defence discussed the current technological status as well as future challenges.
National Armaments Director holds bilateral talks with Danish counterparts in Copenhagen
National Armaments Director Urs Loher will meet with the Danish Armaments Director Lieutenant-General Kim J. Jørgensen for bilateral talks from 15 to 16 January 2026 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The exchange will focus on current security and arms policy topics as well as possible cooperations in the armaments area. In addition, the bilateral agreement on the mutual recognition of official quality controls between Switzerland and Denmark will be signed.
Current figures on offset transactions as of end of 2025
The Offset Register currently comprises eighteen procurement projects with offset obligations in the amount of CHF 5.42 billion, which must be settled by foreign suppliers to Swiss companies and research facilities. Of this, offset transactions in the amount of around CHF 2.85 billion have been carried out as at the end of 2025.
Taskforce Drones tests the technological maturity of attack and defence drones
From 8 to 19 December 2025, Swiss attack and defence drones will be tested at the Hinterrhein (GR) shooting range. The goals are a market survey and a qualitative assessment of the drone systems used, in order to estimate the maturity of the technology. The technical trials will be carried out by the Taskforce Drones with the participation of the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse, the Swiss Armed Forces and other partners. They aim to accelerate the capability development of the military in the field of drones and bring together industry, science and the military.
SIG Sauer P320: New pistol for the Swiss Armed Forces from domestic production
The Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse has completed the evaluation for a new service pistol and selected a type. The model SIG Sauer P320 has been selected as the new pistol. The manufacturer has assured that production will be set up in Switzerland. This complies with the Armament Policy Strategy of the Federal Council to retain and set up security-relevant industrial capabilities in Switzerland.
Switzerland and the USA launch “A-VIPER” research project focusing on the automated identification of software vulnerabilities
The Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) have launched the “A-VIPER” research project. It is based on the existing framework agreement between the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) and the US Department of Defense (DoD). The aim of the project is to further develop the automated identification, analysis and prioritisation of software vulnerabilities in security-critical systems.
Winners selected in the idea competition for the recovery of ammunition
A panel of experts has selected the three best proposals for the environmentally sound and safe recovery of ammunition from Swiss lakes. The proposals provide important approaches for further investigation; however, there are no plans to actually recover the ammunition, provided that the monitoring efforts continue to show that the ammunition is not having any negative effects on the environment.
Federal Councillor Martin Pfister visits Florennes Air Base in Belgium
Federal Councillor Martin Pfister, Head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, will visit Florennes Air Base in Belgium on 1 December. He will be accompanied by 12 members of the National CounciI and the Council of States. The purpose of the visit is to learn about the operational experience of the Belgian Air Force with the F-35A fighter jet. Mr Pfister will also attend the Swiss Defence Industry Day in Brussels with the aim of promoting Switzerland as an attractive location for the defence industry and raising the international profile of its technological expertise. While in Brussels, Mr Pfister will also meet NATO's secretary general, Mark Rutte.
Swiss Defence Industry Day in Brussels: Strengthening domestic industry, deepening cooperation with Europe
The Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse is working together with the SWISS ASD (Aeronautics, Security and Defence) industry association, the Swiss Missions to NATO and the EU as well as the bilateral embassy in Brussels to organise the second “Swiss Defence Industry Day” on 1 December 2025. The event will be held at EFTA House in Brussels. The aim of the event is to establish and maintain international contacts and to promote Switzerland as an attractive location for the armament industry. National Armaments Director will make the trip to Belgium to attend the event.
National Armaments Director holds bilateral talks with Finnish counterparts in Helsinki
The National Armaments Director, Urs Loher, will meet with the Finnish Armaments Director, Olli Ruutu, for bilateral talks in Helsinki, Finland on 25 November 2025. The exchange will focus on current security and arms policy topics as well as possible cooperations in the armaments area.
Swiss Armed Forces continue to develop their skills in the area of drones
Fifteen recruits completed training as First-Person View drone pilots, in order to be subsequently deployed with the troops in a field experiment. In this context, they used their skills to support the development of operational procedures for attack drones. The training in Thun and the following field experiment in Bure further developed the skills of the Swiss Armed Forces in the area of drones und took place within the context of the Taskforce Drones with the participation of the Swiss Armed Forces, the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse as well as with external partners.
Defence against minidrones: armasuisse procures drone defence systems from the Swiss supplier Securiton
The Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse has decided to issue the award for minidrone defence systems. After a four-week evaluation test (field experiment) for detecting and defending against minidrones to protect military infrastructures at the Meiringen aerodrome, armasuisse awarded the Swiss supplier Securiton the contract to deliver several defence systems. The systems are designed as partially mobile and can thus also be used in subsidiary operations of the Swiss Armed Forces for civil authorities.
Contact
Federal Office for Defence Procurement
Guisanplatz 1
CH - 3003 Bern