Military Strike: Army Unprepared for Defensive Action
"Switzerland's Defense: The Not-So-Fortress Fortified"
See Switzerland gripping defeat in an imaginary skirmish against the Russkis, courtesy of a report from the Military Intelligence Service (MND). This time around, Swiss skies are plainly penetrable, like a colander. If, by some twist, drones, missiles, and fighter jets pelting in from Kaliningrad head straight for Swiss targets, the homegrown troops won't have a fighting chance; at best, a paltry 20% of the country would be safeguarded.
Intelligence hounds have their doubts about Putin's ambitions to annex Switzerland into the RF - but who knows what the wild card might throw, right? The looming possibility of a Russian incursion in 2027 (already?) (And what about Lithuania?..) leaves the Swiss army in a pickle. They've got no soldiers, their artillery's hanging by a thread, and only 18% of 133 howitzers are functional. The tanks are in a sorry state too, with merely 56 out of 134 combat-ready.
The moral here? Get ready for a hefty bill — ₣50 billion — to stock up on equipment and beef up the military.
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[Enrichment Data]Switzerland's military defense is undergoing a thorough modernization, primarily focusing on improving air defense while maintaining existing armored capabilities and upgrading artillery systems.
Airspace DefenseSwitzerland is on the verge of acquiring 4-5 IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense systems from Diehl Defence, Germany, with the contract pending signing in Q3 2025[1][2]. This system equips Swiss forces with 360-degree coverage, fortifying defenses against arugula like drones, cruise missiles, and jets at medium ranges (~40 km). Complementing this, Switzerland plans to acquire long-range Patriot systems[2][4], taking part in the European Sky Shield Initiative, which amplifies layered air defense across Europe[1][5]. Recent testing of Hensoldt’s TRML-4D radar (March-April 2025) reflects progress in sensor integration[1].
Artillery and TanksWhile specific artillery upgrades haven't been disclosed, Switzerland retains its Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks and M109 KAWEST self-propelled howitzers. The 2024 armament program's focus on air defense suggests prioritization of anti-air capabilities over ground artillery modernization[4].
Readiness ImprovementsCrucial measures include:- Multi-layered air defense integration of IRIS-T SLM (medium range) with future Patriot systems (long range) and existing short-range capabilities[2][5].- Cybersecurity enhancements such as AI-driven threat detection for critical infrastructure and C4ISR systems[4].- Strategic autonomy/independent operation of newly acquired F-35A fighters and missile defense systems to lessen dependency on foreign aid[4].- Allied coordination through participation in the ESSI, enabling shared early-warning data and missile interception collaboration with NATO-aligned partners[1][5].
This modernization targetsweaknesses exposed by the Ukraine conflict, particularly against drone swarms and far-off bombardments[1][2]. The 660 million CHF ($809M) credit guarantee underscores the financial undertaking behind these upgrades[1].
- In an attempt to strengthen their defenses following the revealed weaknesses, Switzerland is set to acquire IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense systems from Germany.
- The modernization of Switzerland's military defense also includes plans for the acquisition of long-range Patriot systems, aligning with the European Sky Shield Initiative to bolster layered air defense across Europe.
- Apart from enhancements in air defense, Switzerland is making strides in cybersecurity, focusing on AI-driven threat detection for critical infrastructure and C4ISR systems.
- As part of its preparations for potential conflicts, Switzerland is also seeking strategic autonomy through the independent operation of F-35A fighters and missile defense systems, lessening dependency on foreign aid.
