U.S. military leader urges Switzerland to ready itself for potential conflicts
In the world where peace seems invincible, even the Swiss Alps can't guarantee security from foreign attacks. That's the grim reality General Ben Hodges, a retired US commander, is conveying to the Swiss public.
Hodges, who's no stranger to military strategies, spoke candidly in an interview with Swiss media, warning that Switzerland's tranquility might be at stake due to a shift in US military priorities under President Trump.
According to Hodges, the US could potentially withdraw its troops stationed in Europe, weakening the deterrence against potential adversaries like Russia. "Europe's not a priority anymore," Hodges said, "Trump sees China as his main adversary." If this happens, Switzerland could find itself on the defensive frontline.
But why should the Swiss worry about Russia, a nation that was kept at bay by Switzerland's long-standing neutrality during World War II? Hodges believes Russia doesn't respect Swiss neutrality as much as it once did. While a full-scale invasion might be unlikely, Hodges warns of subtler tactics like cyber-attacks, disruptions in trade, and hybrid warfare strategies that could inflict significant damage.
In such a scenario, what should Switzerland do? Hodges suggests three defensive strategies for the Swiss military to consider. Firstly, mastering the deployment and defense against drones across large areas. Secondly, investing heavily in air defense, as Russia is known to use artillery, glide bombs, and missiles to wear down enemy infrastructure. Finally, training in large-scale maneuvers to counter a highly armed Russian military much like during the Cold War era.
In the face of these threats, the Swiss government has already started taking steps. In 2022, following Russia's attack on Ukraine, a debate on Switzerland's readiness to defend itself was held in parliament. The then Defense Minister Viola Amherd called for a significant increase in military spending to replace aging fighter jets and re-equip ground troops. However, participating in NATO exercises and developing better coordination with the bloc are proving to be more challenging due to Switzerland's adherence to neutrality.
But the war isn't always on the ground or in the sky. Cyber-attacks have become a significant threat in the 21st century. In the past three years, Russian hackers have targeted Swiss companies and public entities, endangering the country's essential services. To counter this, the Swiss government has introduced a reporting obligation for cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure, necessitating swift reporting to the National Cyber Security Centre within 24 hours of discovery.
As the world changes, so must Switzerland's defense strategies. This means investing in modern air defense systems, adopting AI and machine learning technologies for cybersecurity, and strengthening coordination between military and civilian authorities to effectively respond to hybrid threats. It also means increasing defense spending, prioritizing strategic planning, and considering participation in multilateral initiatives.
It's clear that the old adage, "Switzerland is safe because it has never been attacked," can no longer hold true. Switzerland must adapt to the evolving geopolitical landscape, redefining its defense strategies for the modern age.
- In 2024, Switzerland might face risks due to potential shifts in US military priorities under President Trump, as General Ben Hodges, a retired US commander, suggested.
- Hodges warned that the US could deploy its troops elsewhere, weakening the deterrence against potential adversaries like Russia, which could pose a threat to Switzerland's tranquility.
- The Swiss government has already started taking steps to counter these threats, such as increasing military spending, replacing aging fighter jets, and re-equipping ground troops.
- Besides traditional warfare, Switzerland should also focus on modernizing its cybersecurity defenses, as Russian hackers have targeted Swiss companies and public entities in recent years, endangering the country's essential services.
