The new reconnaissance drone for the Swiss Armed Forces in Emmen completed its first flight. With this successful test flight, the reconnaissance drone system 15 (ADS 15) reaches another important milestone.
armasuisse has agreed contract terms with the US government for the purchase of the F-35A fighter aircraft and the Patriot longer-range ground-based air defence system. Assuming an exchange rate of CHF 0.95 to the US dollar, this results in guarantee credits of CHF 6.035 billion for the aircraft and CHF 1.987 billion for the air defence system. This is less than the anticipated financial cost.
Germany can freely dispose of Leopard 2 tanks which were sold back to Rheinmetall twelve years ago, as there are no longer any valid restrictions. Poland will not transfer Leopard 2 tanks withdrawn from service as this would require them to first be decommissioned which is subject to a decision by parliament.
Ethical principles are to become more firmly anchored and strictly enforced in Switzerland’s sport system. They will be made legally binding, which will allow penalties to be imposed for violations. This set of measures aims to protect athletes under the age of 18 in particular.
The Federal Intelligence Service assesses Switzerland’s threat situation in its entirety. With its operational and preventive performances it directly helps to protect Switzerland.
The mission of the Armed Forces includes area security and defence, subsidiary operations to prevent and overcome mortal dangers as well as contributions to peace promotion within an international framework.
The Federal Office for Procurement (armasuisse) is responsible for the research, development, evaluation, procurement, maintenance and liquidation of equipment and infrastructure for the armed forces and other customers.
In 2018, the Federal Assembly elected Viola Amherd to the Federal Council. She took over as head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport on 1 January 2019.
The Federal Office of Topography (swisstopo) is the centre of competence for the Swiss Confederation responsible for geographical reference data, for instance the description, representation and archiving of geographic spatial data.
The Federal Office for Civil Protection coordinates the protection of the Swiss population against disasters and emergencies. It also plans the development of the civil protection and the civil defence organisations.
The Federal Office for Sport is the state centre of expertise for sport. It fulfils the tasks arising from the government's promotion of gymnastics and sport, such as training, instruction, research and associated services.
