Switzerland is unable to defend itself against a full-scale military attack and must increase defense spending in light of the growing risks posed by Russia.
This, according to international media reports, is the latest warning from the head of the Swiss Armed Forces.
The country is prepared for attacks by “non-state actors” on critical infrastructure and for cyberattacks, but its army still faces major equipment gaps, Thomas Süssli told the newspaper NZZ.
“What we cannot do is defend ourselves against long-range threats or against a full-scale attack on our country,” Süssli was quoted as saying. He is set to step down at the end of the year.
“It is sobering to know that, in a real emergency, only about one-third of all soldiers would be fully equipped,” he added in an interview published on Saturday.
As media outlets note, Switzerland is increasing defense spending, modernizing its artillery and ground systems, and replacing aging fighter jets with Lockheed Martin F-35A aircraft.
However, the plan is facing cost overruns, while critics are questioning spending on artillery and ammunition amid tight federal finances.
Süssli said that public attitudes toward the army have not significantly changed despite the war in Ukraine and Russia’s efforts to destabilize Europe.
He attributed this to Switzerland’s distance from conflict, its lack of recent wartime experience, and the mistaken belief that neutrality alone provides protection.
“But that is historically inaccurate. There are neutral countries that were unarmed and were drawn into war. Neutrality only has value if it can be defended with weapons,” he said.
Switzerland has pledged to gradually increase defense spending to around 1% of GDP by approximately 2032, up from about 0.7% today—well below the 5% level agreed upon by NATO countries.
At this pace, the Swiss army is expected to be fully prepared only around 2050.
“That is a very long time, given the threat,” Süssli warned.
