Switzerland plans military drone battalion by 2028

Switzerland plans to create a military drone battalion from 2028, the defence ministry said on Thursday.

The ministry said the battalion would be used for reconnaissance, operations and defence, and would be supported by a specialised recruitment and training programme.

It also outlined plans for a civilian-military centre for drones and robotics, including a technology hub and a military command. The ministry said drones, counter-drone defence and robotics were now a strategic priority for Switzerland.

The ministry said it had seen an increase in drone flights over military and critical infrastructure. Switzerland's first drone defence system has already been introduced.

Switzerland has a long-standing policy of armed neutrality and mandatory conscription for men.