On May 9, the National Council held a special session on armaments because of the Ukraine war. It should also be regarding an increase in army spending from 5 to 7 billion francs “Daily Gazette” reported.
The newspaper has internal documents. They should show how Switzerland wants to upgrade: Defense Minister Viola Amherd (59) and the Swiss military have more vehicles, better equipment and new weapon systems on their shopping list. The Ministry of Defense gives priority to artillery, which is to be heavily modernized. We’re talking regarding improved marksmanship – pinpoint accuracy at distances of over 50 kilometers and more.
A billion francs for artillery pieces
As the newspaper continues, Switzerland wants to invest in new artillery pieces. “The M-109 self-propelled howitzers, which the army procured from the 1970s, are to be replaced by a new artillery system from 2030,” says the report. However, it is still unknown by which system they are to be replaced exactly. Costs for the howitzers, the necessary observation systems, ballistic computers, fire control and fire control systems and training simulators: around one billion Swiss francs.
The mechanized formations are also to be expanded. According to insiders, the army must have at least three fully equipped tank formations, writes the “Tagesanzeiger”. It’s only two and a half now. The army currently owns 134 Leopard II tanks. At least 34 more Leopard tanks are said to be in the pipeline. As can be read, the army leadership considers it necessary to get Leopard main battle tanks that have already been taken out of service back on the road.
Stock up on infantry equipment
With the past army reforms, the infantry was also massively reduced. The army has 17 infantry battalions, each with a good 1000 army personnel. Only: the equipment is not sufficient for this. According to the internal documents, investments in modern anti-tank weapons, additional vehicles, protective vests and more ammunition are therefore planned, the “Tagesanzeiger” continues.
And the mortars are also to be increased. In 2024, RUAG is to deliver 32 units of the mobile gun. The mortars, together with the ammunition and additional logistics material, are said to cost CHF 404 million. (oco/uro)
