"Defenseless": Swiss Army Chief Warns of Inability to Withstand Full-Scale Attack
Swiss Army Chief Thomas Süssli warns that Switzerland can no longer defend itself against a full-scale attack due to aging equipment and budget cuts.
Europe's neutral fortress is admitting its walls are crumbling. In a stark assessment that's sent ripples through Bern, Swiss Army Chief Thomas Süssli has warned that Switzerland is currently unable to defend itself against a full-scale military assault. According to Reuters, this admission highlights the critical state of a nation that has long relied on its geography and neutrality for security.
Decades of Neglect Catch Up to the Alps
The shortfall isn't just a matter of strategy; it's a crisis of hardware and personnel. Since the end of the Cold War, Switzerland has enjoyed what experts call a 'peace dividend,' slashing defense spending and shrinking its military footprint. However, the reality of modern warfare in Europe has exposed severe gaps. Süssli pointed out that only a fraction of the army's armored units are combat-ready, and the nation's air defense systems are ill-equipped to handle high-tech threats like ballistic missiles or swarms of suicide drones.
We have spent the last 30 years dismantling our capabilities. Today, if a major conflict broke out, we lack the depth and the technology to sustain a defense for more than a few weeks.
A Pivot Toward Collaboration?
The Swiss government is now scrambling to react. Plans are underway to increase the defense budget to at least 1% of GDP by 2035. While the figure seems modest compared to the 2% target of many NATO members, it represents a significant shift for the neutral state. There's also a growing debate about closer ties with European neighbors and the alliance. While full NATO membership remains a red line, joint exercises and shared intelligence are no longer off the table as Switzerland realizes it can't survive as an isolated island of peace in a turbulent continent.
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