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BERN: Switzerland's government announced Wednesday it is seeking an additional 970 million Swiss francs ($1.1 billion) from parliament for its 2026 air defence spending. The request follows an earlier 3.4 billion franc armament program proposed in March.
The government warned that hybrid operations and long-range attacks pose the most likely threats to Switzerland, noting that its armed forces currently lack sufficient resources to ensure full national protection.
Officials cited market saturation, long delivery times, and manufacturer demands for substantial down payments as key reasons for the urgent funding request. Delays have already impacted orders for US F-35A fighter jets and Patriot systems.
The additional funds will cover down payments for short- and medium-range air defence systems, radar, and drone defenses. Switzerland also plans to spend 100 million francs to fortify over 60 military sites by 2029.
Parliament must still approve the funding and vote on a proposed VAT increase through 2040 to cover long-term military priorities, which total 24 billion francs.
