The head of the DDPS, Federal Councillor Viola Amherd, was on a working visit to the UN in New York on the occasion of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers and Switzerland's assumption of the presidency of the UN Security Council. Ms Amherd chaired a meeting of the Security Council on peace and security in Africa. She will also hold bilateral talks with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
The Federal Council supports the proposal of the National Council Security Policy Committee to officially decommission 25 Leopard 2 main battle tanks. At its meeting on 24 May, the Federal Council authorised the head of the DDPS, Viola Amherd, to support the proposal in the parliamentary discussion on the 2023 Armed Forces Dispatch.
The Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse is responsible for the protection, defence and licensing of the military brands, in particular “Swiss Army”, “Swiss Military” and “Swiss Air Force”. The new website “Military brands” shows the strategy and implementation that is being pursued for the management and protection of the military brands.
On 9 February 2023, General Cavoli, the NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, paid a working visit to the Swiss Armed Forces. Talks held with Armed Forces chief focused on intensifying cooperation with NATO. There was also a meeting with the Head of Security Policy in DDPS.
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.
