We really have shortcomings in air defense, according to the army chief

The Swiss army has been facing a series of setbacks for several months in a context of hybrid warfare and unstable geopolitics. Army chief Benedikt Roos discusses the main challenges in the 19:30 news program. The army is focusing on long-range threats and cyber attacks.

Switzerland “needs more security” as the geopolitical situation evolves with wars in Ukraine and Iran, according to Benedikt Roos. He also points out that Switzerland has “very important” critical infrastructure for all of Europe, which could destabilize the continent if attacked.

Roos finds it difficult to analyze the intentions of the belligerents today and notes that the situation “can change very quickly.” He mentions the bombings in Dubai.

“The question is not ‘does the army need more money’, but ‘does Switzerland need more security’,” emphasizes Benedikt Roos. He cites two priorities for the army: “systems to combat missiles and drones” against long-distance threats, and secondly, “hybrid threats,” with cyber attacks “every day.”

“Today, we really have gaps” in terms of air defense, admits Benedikt Roos, as the army faces delays in delivery and increased material costs.

Roos also mentions that the army is analyzing the needs for men and women: do they need more or fewer because the systems ordered “basically need fewer men”? The goal is to “be ready” when these systems arrive, he adds.

“My mission is to look ahead,” emphasizes the army chief, who does not judge past cuts in the army. He explains: “Politics set the framework (…) and my mission is to find the best solutions to equip our young women and men, so they have truly credible equipment.”

(Source: Interview TV: Jennifer Covo; Web adaptation: Julie Liardet)