The country cannot defend itself against a generalized and should increase military spending given the growing threats from , the head of the country’s Armed Forces said today.
The country is prepared for attacks by “non-state actors” targeting critical infrastructure as well as cyber attacks, but its military still faces major equipment gaps, Thomas Sousli told the NZZ newspaper.
“What we cannot do is defend the country against threats from a distance or even a generalized attack on our country,” added Susli, who is stepping down at the end of the year.
“It’s heavy knowing that in a real emergency only one-third of all our soldiers will be fully equipped,” he added in his interview published today.
Equipment, but over a long time horizon
Switzerland is increasing its defense spending, modernizing its artillery and ground systems and replacing its aging fighter jets with Lockheed Martin F-35As.
But the plan faces financial overruns, with critics questioning the need for spending on artillery and ammunition amid tight federal finances.
Susli said views on the Armed Forces have not changed despite the war in Ukraine and Moscow’s efforts to destabilize Europe.
He attributed this to Switzerland’s distance from the conflict, its lack of recent experience in war and the illusion that neutrality offers protection.
“But that is historically inaccurate. There are several neutral countries that were unarmed and dragged into war. Neutrality has value in itself only if it can be defended with weapons,” he commented.
Switzerland has pledged to gradually increase defense spending to around 1% of its GDP by 2032, from almost 0.7% today, well below the 5% level agreed by NATO countries.
With this step, the Swiss army will be fully prepared by around 2050.
“It’s too far in the horizon given the threat,” Sousli judged.
