Switzerland launches consultation to overhaul army amid worsening security outlook

The Federal Council of Switzerland has initiated a consultation process to overhaul the organization of its army, and a parallel proposal seeks to reassess the entire system of mandatory military service. This policy shift reflects concerns voiced by Serge Bavaud, head of the Swiss intelligence service, who warned that the nation’s protective environment is declining from the east, west and south. The security deterioration is linked to the broader geopolitical fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Although Switzerland maintains its neutrality, officials note increasing pressure to strengthen its political positioning, given its proximity to EU and NATO states whose stability influences Swiss security. The consultations aim to adapt the militia-based model to the evolving threat landscape.