The Federal Council approved the application for the export of 25 Leopard 2 A4 main battle tanks to their original manufacturer, Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH in Germany. Germany has given assurances that the tanks will remain either in Germany, with NATO or with its EU partners in order to meet existing shortfalls.
The head of the DDPS Viola Amherd, the Austrian Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner and the German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius signed a memorandum of understanding on their participation in the European Sky Shields Initiative, which deals with procurement, and an agreement to promote research cooperation in the field of armaments.
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues to have a lasting impact on national and international security policy. Switzerland’s security continues to be shaped in particular by the growing rivalry between major powers. The latest Federal Intelligence Service’s situation report presents the main developments in intelligence over the past year.
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 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.
