Published on 13 July 2026

Mission and Role of the Taskforce Drones

The Taskforce Drones was established in 2024 to respond to the rapidly growing importance of drones in modern conflicts and to accelerate the Swiss Armed Forces’ capability development in this area. Within the framework of the task force, drones are to be tested, evaluated, and further developed under conditions that are as close to reality as possible. The goal is to quickly gain reliable insights and to advance the development of military capabilities in close cooperation with the Security-relevant Technology and Industry Base (STIB).

To this end, the Taskforce brings together military and civilian stakeholders and creates a platform where the armed forces, industry, and the research community can jointly develop and test solutions. This is the federal government’s contribution to the development of a Swiss drone ecosystem, with the aim of being able to respond flexibly to future technological developments. In the long term, this is intended to contribute to Switzerland’s security.

Drones on a snow-covered street

The Taskforce is funded through PTP loans (project studies, testing, and procurement preparations). This means that the focus is on preparation, testing, and development, with the goal of gaining as much insight as possible into the various areas of drone application. Any procurements to equip the Army will take place at a later date and as part of regular defense procurement processes. Collaboration with the Taskforce Drones and/or participation in tests and trials with the task force does not constitute grounds for a subsequent contract, nor are such companies excluded from participating in future procurement procedures.

Another key aspect is the reduction of critical dependencies. However, complete Swiss independence in the development and manufacture of military drones is neither realistic nor desirable. Rather, the Taskforce aims to strengthen the Swiss drone ecosystem in a targeted manner and align it more closely with military applications.

The Taskforce Drones is a coordinated, cross-sectoral initiative for action and analysis that does not replace existing procurement channels but rather complements them in a targeted manner. Solutions are pursued and supported in particular when they contribute to the development of expertise, the expansion of industrial capabilities, and the creation of production capacity in Switzerland, thereby laying the groundwork for increasing resilience in the event of a crisis. Solutions based solely on imports, without corresponding long-term prospects, generally do not make a sufficient contribution in this regard.

The Taskforce does not function as a general funding instrument, but rather as a military-focused development tool. Projects are continued only if they make a substantial contribution to the further development of Switzerland’s military capabilities and meet the project’s requirements. Funding is awarded exclusively in accordance with applicable procurement guidelines and is always tied to binding obligations on the part of the partners to benefit armasuisse, the Armed Forces, and the strengthening of national defense capabilities.

For project proposals or inquiries that fall outside the scope of the Taskforce Drones, please see the following links for further information: