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

The Swiss army has been facing a string of setbacks for several months, in a context of hybrid warfare and unstable geopolitics. Chief of the army Benedikt Roos discusses the main challenges in the 19h30 news program. The army is focusing on long-range threats and cyber attacks.

Switzerland “needs more security” as the geopolitical situation has evolved with wars in Ukraine and Iran, says Benedikt Roos. He also highlights that Switzerland has “very important” critical infrastructures for the whole of Europe, which could destabilize the continent if attacked.

According to Benedikt Roos, it is difficult to analyze the intentions of the belligerents today and the situation “can change very quickly.” He mentions the bombings in Dubaï as an example.

“The question is not ‘the army needs more money,’ but ‘Switzerland needs 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, Benedikt Roos admits, as the army faces delivery delays and cost increases for ordered equipment.

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

“My mission is to look forward,” emphasizes the army chief, who does not judge the previous cuts in the army. He specifies: “The politics define the framework (…) and my mission is to seek the best solutions to equip our young women and men, so they truly have credible equipment.”

Interview TV: Jennifer Covo

Adaptation web: Julie Liardet