Seven battalions are currently participating in a major military exercise in Switzerland. Troops train in a high-threat scenario, with missions to protect critical infrastructure and monitor borders. Practices inspired by Ukraine will be tested.
In Aargau, French-speaking military engineers are active in the middle of potato fields. Their mission is to install a mobile bridge 30 meters long over a river. The objective is to allow vehicles and soldiers to progress in a country on maximum alert.
These troops are part of the 3,500 soldiers mobilized for a vast exercise, called CONEX26. “It’s changing in terms of schedules. We’re a little more in a hurry, because we know that there are people waiting for what we’re doing,” explains Samuel Pasche, a sapper in engineering battalion 2, in RTS 7:30 p.m.
>> The 7:30 p.m. report:
A scenario of menace élevée
The exercise is based on a high threat scenario for the country. It includes sabotage, elements of destabilization and possible enemy drone attacks. The military remains constantly vigilant.
“Where we sleep, we put extra nets. We closed as many entrances as possible to prevent drones from infiltrating inside. If we see any, we must mention them,” explains the employee.
Three and a half hours later, the bridge was erected. However, the troops are lagging behind. They will have to improve their performance the next day.
Seven battalions engaged
In total, seven battalions are participating in the exercise to respond to the simulated threat throughout north-west Switzerland. Their missions include border surveillance and protection of critical infrastructure.
In the canton of Aargau, an armored firing position was built in front of the Leibstadt nuclear power plant, located near the border with Germany.
In the canton of Bern, other soldiers work through the night on a bigger challenge. They plant piles to span the Aare with a bridge 100 meters long.
![In the canton of Bern, soldiers from the Swiss army are working to create a 100 meter long bridge over the Aare. [RTS]](https://img.rts.ch/articles/2026/image/gr0mdr-29273482.image?mw=1280 "In the canton of Bern, soldiers from the Swiss army are working to create a 100 meter long bridge over the Aare. [RTS]")
New tactics
This exercise in near-real conditions brings a plus, according to the commander of the French-speaking engineering troops Andreas Muff. “The battalion has technical missions. But now, we are in an exercise which also requires a tactical framework, in collaboration with civilian partners and other military formations. This is what is new for us,” he underlines.
Another new feature planned for next week: refueling in a Zurich road tunnel. This test is unique in Switzerland. It is inspired by the practices of the Ukrainian forces.
The Swiss army exercise will last four weeks in total.
Michael Maccabez
