Largest military exercise since 1989
A test of ground force cooperation: Starting Tuesday, one of the largest military exercises since 1989 will take place. Around 5,000 members of the armed forces are involved.
Starting Tuesday, one of the largest military maneuvers since 1989 will take place in Switzerland. During eight days, the interaction of ground forces will be tested. The exercise situation "PILUM 22" provides for practicing formations and standard procedures and training operations against armed groups. Around 5000 members of the armed forces are deployed in the cantons of Bern, Solothurn, Aargau, Lucerne and in Zurich.
According to the federal government, four mechanized battalions will be exercised, along with a logistics battalion and a brigade infantry company. Other units will also be involved. There is talk, for example, of a division specializing in electronic warfare and a detachment of the Special Forces Command.
Noise and road obstructions possible
Planning for the exercise took two years and was designed based on the "Future of Ground Forces" report, which the Federal Council approved in May 2019, he said. The entire exercise is intended to provide insights into where the ground forces stand today and how they will develop in the future.
The Armed Forces ask the population for their understanding for any additional noise and obstructions in road traffic. A hotline (0800 0800 85) and a mail address (pilum11@vtg.admin.ch) will be available to the public for the duration of the exercise. Land damage will be compensated in principle.
Source: Federal Government/Defense Group/Editorial Office
