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Security for Switzerland

Security for Switzerland

The DDPS is responsible for Switzerland’s security policy – that policy is implemented through the Armed Forces, the State Secretariat for Security Policy, the Federal Office for Civil Protection, the Federal Intelligence Service, armasuisse and the National Cyber Security Centre. The role of the DDPS also involves promoting sport through the Federal Office for Sport and producing geoinformation through swisstopo

Media releases

3 October 2024

Military training area Herisau-Gossau: Amphibian monitoring confirms successful promotion of biodiversity

The Herisau-Gossau military training area includes an amphibian spawning ground of national significance. armasuisse and the Armed Forces are bolstering endangered amphibian species with regular support measures. The 2024 monitoring confirms the constantly high amphibian population on the site.

1 October 2024

Address by President Viola Amherd on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of CERN

Address by President Viola Amherd, head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of CERN, Geneva, Tuesday, 1 October 2024.

1 October 2024

Heads of state and government celebrate 70 years of CERN in Geneva

On 1 October, representatives of the countries that belong to or are associated with the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) gathered in Geneva to celebrate its 70th anniversary. On behalf of Switzerland as a founding member and host country, President Viola Amherd paid tribute to CERN's achievements.

Administrative units

16 July 2023

Federal Intelligence Service

The Federal Intelligence Service is a Swiss security policy instrument with a mission that is clearly defined in legal terms. Its core tasks are prevention and situation assessment for the political leaders.

29 August 2016

Federal Office for Procurement (armasuisse)

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.

19 February 2024

State Secretariat for Security Policy SEPOS

The State Secretariat develops strategic options for action for the attention of political leaders. It also manages the three special services for Information Security, for Security background investigations and for Industrial Security.

19 February 2024

National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)

The National Cyber Security Centre is the federal government's competence centre for cybersecurity and thus the first point of contact for businesses, public services, educational institutions and the population when it comes to cyberissues.

29 August 2016

Defence sector

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.

29 August 2016

Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP)

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.

16 July 2021

General Secretariat of the DDPS

The General Secretariat of the DDPS supports the Head of Department as a member of the Federal Council and in the management of the department. It is responsible for implementing the political strategy in the administrative units.

29 August 2016

Federal Office of Topography swisstopo

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.

29 August 2016

Federal Office for Sport (FOSPO)

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.

7 December 2017

Office of the Armed Forces Attorney General

The Office of the Armed Forces Attorney General is responsible in administrative and organisational terms for the fulfilment of the tasks of the military tribunal.

Contact

Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport DDPS
Bundeshaus Ost
CH - 3003 Bern