DDPS Focuses on Drones and Robotics

Swiss Army Massively Expands Drone Capabilities

The Swiss Army is adapting to warfare where drones, counter-drone measures, and robotics play a central role. The Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) is establishing a new civil-military centre for this purpose. It is also setting up its own drone battalion and a drone recruit school.

The DDPS announced on August 27, 2026, that drones, counter-drone measures, and robotics will constitute a strategic focus in the future. This initiative is part of the army's reorientation, decided in June. The Federal Council then determined that a first drone battalion should be established by 2028. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

A New Centre for Drones and Robotics

The core of the new strategy is the Uncrewed Systems Centre. It aims to merge civil and military expertise and comprises a Tech Hub and a military command.

The Tech Hub will link the troops' needs with the technical knowledge of armasuisse, universities, start-ups, and industry. New systems are to be jointly developed, tested, and made operational for military use as quickly as possible. The military command will handle realistic testing and training for the new drone battalion, among other tasks.

The centre will not be exclusively for the army. Other departments, cantons, and emergency services will also have access. The DDPS aims to improve collaboration between military and civil authorities this way.

Drone Battalion to Arrive in 2028

From 2028, the army plans to deploy its own drone battalion. It is intended for reconnaissance, effect, and defence. Concurrently, a dedicated drone recruit school will build the necessary expertise and supply the battalion with appropriately trained army personnel.

The term "drone battalion" is somewhat narrow. The army also includes ground robotics under uncrewed systems. According to the DDPS, the new battalion will therefore consider the entire spectrum of relevant capabilities.

This decision is part of the army's reorientation, decided in June. At that time, the Federal Council identified counter-drone measures, electronic warfare, intelligence gathering, and the deployment of uncrewed systems as capabilities requiring priority expansion given the current threat situation. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Switzerland Already Invests in Counter-Drone Measures

The new strategy does not start from scratch. The army already possesses drones of various sizes for reconnaissance and has introduced initial counter-drone systems. Further investments are planned with the Armament Programme 2026.

For the defence against mini-drones alone, the Federal Council is requesting an appropriation credit of 70 million Swiss francs. A mobile, modular system designed to detect, identify, and neutralise small drones is planned. Various sensors and effectors are to be used. Implementation with the troops is scheduled from 2028. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Furthermore, ground-based air defence is to be expanded. Approximately one billion Swiss francs are allocated in the Armament Programme 2026 for two additional fire units of the IRIS-T SLM system. Another 800 million Swiss francs are earmarked for short-range ground-based air defence. These systems are also intended for use against drones, among other threats. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Procurement to Become Faster

The DDPS draws a conclusion from rapid technological developments: The army aims to procure drone and counter-drone systems more targeted, in smaller quantities, and with shorter procurement cycles in the future.

This approach aims to prevent the army from clinging to a system for years while technology has already advanced. Systems proven in practical use are to be rapidly further developed and integrated into the troops.

This approach differs from traditional large armament projects. Particularly with drones, technical capabilities can change significantly within a few years. Therefore, the army plans to rely more on trials and smaller procurements.

Swiss Industry to be More Involved

Another focus is collaboration with the Swiss technology sector. The army already established a Drone Task Force in 2024. Its objectives include promoting the development and production of drones in Switzerland and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}