Security Policy Strategy 2025 – a critical assessment

The drastic deterioration in the security situation in Europe requires a rapid strengthening of the Swiss Armed Forces' defence and endurance capabilities. To this end, the Federal Council has specified the necessary objectives and benchmarks in recent months. However, there is an urgent need for a clear, binding and definitive security policy strategy from the Federal Council. According to the DDPS, the security policy strategy should be in place by the end of 2025. The relevant consultation process is currently underway. Not only the DDPS with Federal Councillor Martin Pfister, but also the SIKs and Parliament have a duty to act.

It is to be hoped that the seriousness of the situation will be recognised in the relevant committees and that Switzerland will be given a clear compass on how our country can assert itself and defend itself against the massive increase in hybrid attacks and in the event of war. It is crucial to get all political levels and the population on board and to make the volatile threat situation understandable. The message is clear: the years of carefree peace are definitely over, and we are in the midst of a new era of power politics and violence. In this context, a defensible army is of little use if the population lacks resilience and perseverance. The Nordic countries have shown what it takes.

In parallel with its security policy strategy, the Federal Council made it clear on 20 June 2025 that a reorientation of Swiss armaments policy is also necessary. After years of laissez-faire, the Federal Council is committing itself for the first time to a clear armaments policy strategy. It wants to preserve the remaining defence-critical industrial base and strengthen the entire security-relevant technology and industrial base. In addition, research, development and innovation for the further development of the Swiss Armed Forces are to be rapidly expanded and international armaments cooperation intensified. It is to be hoped that this paradigm shift is not coming too late.

At the upcoming SSF Security Talk, we want to discuss both of these key topics in detail. In addition to Federal Councillor Martin Pfister (invited), the head of armaments, parliamentarians from the SIK and domestic and foreign armaments companies will also speak.

We cordially invite you to follow the presentations by the aforementioned experts and ask your questions during the panel discussion. We look forward to lively participation.