Swiss government seeks billions to strengthen its Armed forces.

Swiss authorities have submitted a multi-billion funding request for the enhancement of the armed forces, announced by Defence Minister Viola Amherd and Army Chief Thomas Süssli outside the parliament in Bern. Amid discussions on the financial state of the armed forces, Amherd proposed a budget of 4.9 billion Swiss Francs ($5.5 billion) for military armament, reported on February 14, 2024.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Swiss budget plan, covering 2025 to 2028, proposes a spending limit of 25.8 billion Swiss Francs. (Picture source: Schweizer Armee)

The budget plan, covering 2025 to 2028, proposes a spending limit of 25.8 billion Swiss Francs. The government's proposal includes five federal decrees to the parliament, aiming to set the strategic direction of the army until 2035. These decrees cover the procurement of military equipment from 2024 to 2027 amounting to 3.52 billion Swiss Francs, an armament program for 2024 worth 490 million Swiss Francs, a budget of 886 million Swiss Francs for the Defence Ministry's infrastructure projects, and the mentioned spending limit for the armed forces.

This initiative reflects a shift in European defense strategy post-Cold War, moving from downsizing military forces to reinvesting in military capabilities due to emerging armed conflicts, with Switzerland, although not a part of the European Union, not being an exception. Parliament's decision to increase the military budget to 1% of GDP by 2035 is a strategic move to quickly address capability gaps and enhance defense preparedness.

Amherd highlighted the opportunity for parliament to establish the long-term strategic vision and capabilities of the armed forces, marking a departure from previous practices. The strategy outlines ten key areas including leadership, intelligence, cybersecurity, logistics, medical services, and various mobility and defense capabilities.

The financial plan for equipment procurement spans four years, ensuring stability in planning and expenditures, with an average annual budget of about 880 million Swiss Francs. This budget will support staff equipment, material replacement, project studies, and ammunition management.

For 2024, the government is seeking 490 million Swiss Francs for armament, including a new missile system for the land forces valued at 210 million Swiss Francs, semi-stationary sensors for aircraft detection worth 40 million Swiss Francs, and investments in computing infrastructure and cybersecurity.

The 2024 construction program, with a budget of 886 million Swiss Francs, will finance the construction of the Kastro II computing center and various other infrastructure projects, emphasizing the government's commitment to modernizing and securing military facilities.

The proposed expenditure cap for 2025 to 2028 includes operational costs, armaments, capital expenditures, and a technical reserve, reflecting a planned real-term increase in military spending in the coming years.

Addressing concerns about a "financial hole" in the army's budget, Amherd clarified that its financial situation is stable, dispelling rumors of insolvency and affirming responsible financial planning and the government's commitment to its military obligations.