Drones and Robotics: DDPS Strengthens Defense Capabilities
In light of the growing threat posed by drones, the Federal Council has mandated the rapid development of capabilities in drones and robotics as part of its defense guidelines. At the heart of this effort is the DDPS’s new Center for Unmanned Systems, which will be supplemented by a dedicated drone battalion starting in 2028.
Drones and robotics—enhanced by artificial intelligence—have fundamentally changed the nature of warfare. At the same time, drones are becoming increasingly important as a tool in hybrid conflict. In Switzerland, too, there has been an increase in drone flights over military and critical infrastructure. With the Guidelines for the Defense In light of the June 19, 2026, decision and defense planning, the Federal Council has therefore mandated the rapid development of capabilities in the field of drones and robotics, as well as their comprehensive integration into the armed forces.
Center for Unmanned Systems, VBS
With the Unmanned Systems Center, the VBS is establishing a civil-military center for drones and robotics. It consists of a tech hub and a military command.
The Tech Hub brings together the needs of the troops, the technological expertise of armasuisse, and the knowledge of universities, startups, and industry. The goal is to jointly develop and test new solutions and rapidly make them available for military use. The military command comprises a testing organization and a training organization. It tests new systems under conditions as close to reality as possible and is responsible for training the drone battalion. Findings from the troops are to be rapidly fed back to the scientific community and the private sector via the Tech Hub.
The center of excellence should also be open to other departments, cantons, and emergency response agencies. Seamless cooperation among all levels of government and organizations is essential given the current threat situation.
Drone Battalion and Drone Recruit School
Starting in 2028, the Army will deploy its own drone battalion for reconnaissance, strike, and defense. At the same time, training in this area will be strengthened. A dedicated drone recruit school will systematically build the necessary skills and supply personnel to the drone battalion.
In addition, the DDPS will broadly integrate drone capabilities throughout the Army. In doing so, the Army can draw on the knowledge and experience of its militia members from the fields of business, science, and technology.
Investments in Drone Capabilities and Drone Defense
The DDPS is investing in both the use of drones and their defense. The first drone defense systems have already been deployed. With the 2026 Army Message, the Federal Council has initiated further capability enhancements. The 2027 Armaments Program allocates additional funds to protect further infrastructure and units and to equip the new drone battalion.
Since technologies are changing constantly and rapidly, the Army intends to procure systems in a more targeted manner, in smaller quantities, and in shorter cycles. Systems that prove effective will be deployed quickly to the troops and further developed based on the experience gained in the field.
Clear Responsibilities for Drone Defense
Various government agencies and departments, as well as private infrastructure operators, are currently responsible for drone defense. An interdepartmental working group led by the DDPS is therefore reviewing the existing responsibilities and legal frameworks and determining what adjustments are necessary in light of the changed threat landscape. This work is also being conducted in response to a parliamentary mandate (Motion 25.4410).
Source: vbs.admin.ch
