Switzerland would not defend itself against a large-scale attack, commander says
Switzerland is unable to defend itself against a large-scale attack and needs a major increase in military spending, according to outgoing army chief Thomas Suessli. While the country can counter cyber-attacks or threats from non-state actors, it can only fully equip a third of its troops.
In an interview with NZZ, Suessli pointed out that the Swiss mistakenly rely on neutrality as a form of protection, which he considers historically incorrect. He stated that defensiveness only makes sense if it is backed by weapons.
The army is modernising its artillery and procuring F-35 fighter jets, but the project has been beset by delays and budgetary tensions.
The plan to increase defence spending to one per cent of GDP by 2032 is too slow, Suessli says. Full readiness at that pace would not occur until around 2050, which he finds unacceptable given the growing risks from Russia.
(reuters, mja)