Handover of the signed contribution agreement HEDI to the EDA
In its meeting on 27 November 2024, the Federal Council resolved Switzerland’s participation in the Hub for European Defence Innovation (HEDI). On 12 December 2024, the signed contribution agreement was handed over by Switzerland’s Deputy Head of Mission to the EU, Alexander Renggli, to the European Defence Agency in Brussels. In particular, the participation in HEDI will give the competence sector Science and Technology (S+T) of armasuisse the opportunity to be involved in defence innovations together with international partners.
Moana Häfeli, staff, competence sector Science and Technology
In brief
The decree of the Federal Council on Switzerland’s participation in the Hub for European Defence Innovation (HEDI) forms the basis for promoting information exchange between experts on defence innovation and for strengthening the security of Switzerland with a focus on the future. Participation will facilitate access to international cooperations and in particular also enable an increase in the visibility of Swiss innovations on the international stage.
The Hub for European Defence Innovation (HEDI) was launched on 12 May 2022 by the European Defence Agency (EDA). The EDA, founded in 2004 by the decision of the Council of the European Union (EU), is primarily concerned with the promotion and improvement of European armaments cooperation. It serves its member states as a cooperation platform and offers them joint development of personal skills as well as armament, research and training projects.
HEDI is a direct reaction to the need to accelerate joint development of innovative solutions for military capabilities. In view of this, HEDI aims to expand on the existing innovation activities in close cooperation with Member States and Switzerland and launch new initiatives.
Opportunities and options for Switzerland
Through the accession, Switzerland is entitled to participate in the various HEDI activities and initiatives. On the one hand, the focus is on the exchange of information between international experts in defence innovation and thus knowledge transfer. In addition, it also opens up the possibility for Swiss industry and science to participate in international cooperations, research projects and innovation activities.
Role of armasuisse S+T
For armasuisse S+T in particular, the accession to HEDI and the exchange within it represent a major opportunity. Activities involving the DDPS innovation spaces can thus be linked with HEDI innovation activities in future. Participation in HEDI also enables lively exchange on a methodical level, such as regarding the holistic assessment of the maturity level of a solution. All this with the aim of incorporating the insights gained directly in the innovation activities of the Swiss Armed Forces.
The participation in HEDI will enable representatives from other member states to visit armasuisse S+T events such as the technical symposium «Scout 25 – modern battlefield reconnaissance and countermeasures». In addition, armasuisse S+T can make a valuable contribution to HEDI and its activities by providing test infrastructures and its comprehensive expertise in the area of defence technologies.