Review of the Presentation of the 2026 Army Message: Real Estate Program
In addition to the armaments programme, new property projects were also presented at the army’s press conference held in Thun. The focus is on the targeted modernisation, expansion and sustainability of military infrastructure, particularly in the areas of security, training and operational capability.
Joel Ess, Communications Division, Strategic Staff
Renovation of a Hangar
The hangar, originally built in the 1950s, is used to provide protected shelter for Air Force aircraft, for example during crises or military threats. The ventilation systems, power supply, fire protection systems, and protective structures will be renovated and reinforced. The infrastructure for operating modern aircraft will also be adapted. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, last approximately five years, and is expected to be completed in 2032. The project budget amounts to CHF 48 million.
Noise Abatement at Military Airfields
To reduce aircraft noise pollution, specific structural measures are being implemented on private buildings, particularly the installation of soundproof windows and, in some cases, additional insulation on facades. This primarily affects residential buildings in the vicinity of the Meiringen, Payerne, and Emmen military airfields. In total, over two hundred buildings will be retrofitted to meet the requirements of the Noise Abatement Ordinance and improve the quality of life for the population. Despite the introduction of the F-35A fighter jet, aircraft noise will remain comparable to that of the F/A-18. Implementation will take place in phases from 2027 to approximately 2031. The project budget amounts to CHF 30 million.
Construction Measures for Army Telecommunications (Phase 1)
As part of this project, specific infrastructure will be built or expanded, including connection boxes for field networks and remotely controllable positioning systems for directional antenna arrays in remote areas. These enable, for example, antennas to be aligned remotely without the need for personnel on site. In addition, additional interfaces will be created so that mobile troops can be connected more quickly to the Swiss command and control network. Implementation is scheduled for the period from 2027 to 2030. The project budget amounts to CHF 19 million.
Renovation and Modernization of the Vugelles-La Mothe Firing Range
The firing range will be expanded with new training facilities, such as a tank target range for anti-tank training and several facilities for close-range shooting training. The logistics building will be replaced and equipped with a photovoltaic system. Additionally, existing buildings will be renovated and adapted to meet modern safety and training requirements. This will enable realistic training under current operational conditions. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and continue until approximately 2031. The project budget amounts to CHF 36 million.
Construction measures for the F-35A fighter jet (supplementary budget)
The supplementary budget covers inflation, value-added tax, and new requirements. In connection with the introduction of the F-35A, specific structural modifications will be made to military airfields, such as reinforcing protective structures, adapting security systems, and implementing technical upgrades for the operation and maintenance of the new aircraft. Additionally, measures will be implemented to better protect facilities against threats such as sabotage or attacks. This ensures the operational readiness of the Air Force and the Air Policing Service. This work will take place between approximately 2026 and 2030. The project budget amounts to CHF 89 million.
Renovation of a command and control facility (supplementary credit)
Specifically, additional technical components will be installed at the command and control facility, including transformers for power supply and modern communication systems for the command and coordination of operations. At the same time, existing parts of the facility will be renovated and expanded to ensure continued operation during the construction phase. The goal is to create a command and control infrastructure that is reliable and crisis-proof in the long term. Implementation is planned for the period between 2026 and 2029. The project budget amounts to CHF 20 million.