ZURICH.– Switzerland cannot defend itself large-scale attack and must Increase military spending Given the increasing risks posed by Russia, said the head of the country’s armed forces.
The country is prepared for attacks “non-state actors” against critical infrastructure and cyberattacks, but the army still has significant equipment deficits, he said Thomas Süssli to the newspaper NZZ.
“What we cannot do is defend ourselves against remote threats, let alone a large-scale attack on our country.”said Süssli, who will be leaving his position at the end of the year.
“It is a burden to know that in a real emergency only a third of all soldiers would be fully equipped,” he added in an interview published Saturday.
Switzerland is increasing its defense spending, modernizing its artillery and ground systems and It is replacing its aging fighter jets with Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets.
However, the plan faces cost overruns Given the tight federal finances, critics question the spending on artillery and ammunition.
Süssli emphasized that society’s attitude towards the armed forces has not changed despite the war in Ukraine and Russia’s efforts to destabilize Europe.
He attributed this position to Switzerland’s distance from the conflict, its lack of recent war experience and the Misconception that neutrality offers protection.
“But that is historically inaccurate. There are several neutral countries that were unarmed and were drawn into the war.” Neutrality only has value if it can be defended with weapons.”he explained.
Switzerland committed to gradually increasing defense spending almost 1% of GDP by 2032, currently around 0.7%, which is well below the 5% level agreed by the NATO countries.
At this rate it would be the Swiss Army fully prepared only around 2050.
“Given the threat situation, that’s too long.”concluded Süssli.
Reuters agency
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