Media releases
SEPOS
State Secretary Mäder attends Halifax International Security Forum
Markus Mäder, State Secretary for Security Policy, will represent the DDPS at the Halifax International Security Forum in Canada from 21 to 23 November.
Procurement of electronic warfare equipment: Federal Council approves accession to the SAWFISH Memorandum of Understanding
At its meeting on 5 November, the Federal Council approved Switzerland's accession to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Netherlands and Germany on the procurement of and ongoing support for electronic warfare equipment, known as the Sawfish MoU. This allows Switzerland to participate in joint procurements and benefit from an exchange of information with the other two countries and from the experience they have gained in relation to electronic warfare.
State Secretary for Security Policy to meet with Singapore’s Permanent Secretary (Defence)
Markus Mäder, State Secretary for Security Policy, will receive Singapore’s Permanent Secretary (Defence) Chan Heng Kee in Bern on 21 October 2025. They will discuss current security policy developments and challenges and visit the National Emergency Operations Centre.
Training cooperation with Colorado National Guard: DDPS to participate in State Partnership Program with US
At its meeting on 12 September, the Federal Council approved a memorandum of understanding that launches a partnership between the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport and the Colorado National Guard under the State Partnership Program. The purpose of this partnership is to facilitate training cooperation, allowing the Swiss Armed Forces to expand their capabilities through international collaboration and strengthen their defence readiness. It also fosters closer cooperation with the US in areas beyond the military, thereby deepening bilateral relations in general.
State Secretary for Security Policy to travel to Chisinau for security policy dialogue with Moldova
Markus Mäder, State Secretary for Security Policy, will hold talks on current security policy developments and bilateral cooperation with his counterparts in Chisinau (Moldova) from 17 to 18 July.
Federal Councillor Martin Pfister to make working visit to Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina
The head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), Federal Councillor Martin Pfister, will visit Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina on 7 and 8 July. He will be accompanied by members of the parliamentary Security Policy Committee and by Philippe Müller, a member of the cantonal government and head of the Department of Cantonal Security in the Canton of Bern. The aim of the working visit is to gain an overview of the security situation and Switzerland's role in peacekeeping operations. In addition to visiting Swiss Armed Forces personnel, Federal Councillor Pfister will hold bilateral talks with defence ministers Ejup Maqedonci (Kosovo) and Zukan Helez (Bosnia and Herzegovina) as well as with Christian Schmidt, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mr Pfister will be accompanied by Markus Mäder, State Secretary for Security Policy.
“Switzerland's Security 2025”: Global confrontation has direct effects on Switzerland
The security situation around Switzerland is deteriorating year by year. A global confrontation is emerging, with the USA on one side and China and Russia on the other. This has direct implications for Switzerland: the threat of espionage is high and proliferation activities are increasing. The terrorist threat remains elevated. Particularly concerning is the growing online radicalization of youth. In its new situation report “Switzerland's Security 2025,” the Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) assesses the threat landscape facing the country.
Cyberattack on Radix: Federal Administration data also affected
The foundation Radix has been targeted by a ransomware attack, during which data was stolen and encrypted. Radix’s customers include various federal offices. The data has been published on the dark web and will now be analysed by the relevant offices.
Security and defence partnership: Federal Council to seek exploratory talks with the EU
At its meeting on 25 June 2025, the Federal Council decided to enter into exploratory talks with the EU with a view to concluding a security and defence partnership. These partnerships provide the EU with a framework for enhancing cooperation with third countries in this field. A security and defence partnership takes the form of non-legally-binding declaration of intent and can be designed individually. A partnership of this kind is a prerequisite for any joint procurements in the defence sector. It is compatible with neutrality and helps to strengthen Switzerland's defence capabilities.
Federal Council approves armaments policy strategy
The deteriorating security situation calls for a rethink of Switzerland's armaments policy. At its meeting on 20 June 2025, the Federal Council therefore approved its first armaments policy strategy, which aims to maintain the remaining defence-critical industrial base in Switzerland and strengthen the broader technology and industrial base relevant to national security. In addition, research, development and innovation for the further development of the Swiss Armed Forces are to be expanded and Switzerland's international armaments cooperation intensified.
State Secretary for Security Policy and Chief of the Armed Forces to take part in the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore
From 30 May to 1 June, representatives from the Asia-Pacific region, North America, Europe and the Middle East will exchange views on current security policy challenges at the International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) in Singapore. Switzerland will be represented by Markus Mäder, State Secretary for Security Policy, and Lieutenant General Thomas Süssli, Chief of the Armed Forces.
Federal Councillor Martin Pfister to attend UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin
On 13 May, Federal Councillor Martin Pfister, Head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), will attend the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Ministerial conference in Berlin. Markus Mäder, State Secretary for Security Policy, will also attend. The conference will focus on issues in security policy and international cooperation on future peacekeeping activities. On the fringes of the conference, Mr Pfister will meet with German defence minister Boris Pistorius and Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto.
Switzerland to take part in NATO crisis management exercise (CMX25)
Switzerland, represented by federal offices from the DDPS and the FDFA, is taking part in NATO's crisis management exercise (CMX25), which runs from 13 to 18 March. The exercise will enable Switzerland to strengthen its cooperation while practising crisis management within an international framework.
Federal Council adopts Digital Switzerland Strategy 2025
On 13 December, the Federal Council adopted the updated Digital Switzerland Strategy for 2025 and selected new focus themes, thereby setting its current priorities.