Security Research Program: The DDPS and the ETH Domain strengthen research in the field of security and defense

The program brings together Switzerland's security policy needs with the cutting-edge research of the ETH Domain. The aim is to build up critical technological knowledge in Switzerland in the long term and to reduce dependencies on foreign countries. The program implements a measure of the Federal Council's armaments policy strategy: the development of cooperation with the ETH Domain that addresses specific issues of the armed forces and makes better use of synergies in research and innovation in the civilian, military and dual-use areas.

The first call for proposals for the program was launched in October 2025 together with EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne.

Focus on key technologies for Switzerland's security

The «Security Research Program» focuses on key technologies that are of great importance to Switzerland's security. These include artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum technologies, autonomous systems, robotics, cyber security and energy supply. The first call for proposals focused on two topics:

• Global navigation satellite systems such as GPS are indispensable for navigation, positioning and time synchronization. At the same time, signals are being interfered with more and more frequently. Solutions were sought that would make existing systems more robust or enable technological alternatives without satellites.
• Mini drones are inexpensive, widespread and increasingly technologically powerful. At the same time, the risks to critical infrastructure and security forces are increasing. Technologies were sought that can detect, track and defend against drones more quickly.

Eight projects selected

24 project proposals were received for the first call for proposals of the «Research Program Security». Eight of these were selected and will start in May 2026. Four projects will be implemented in each subject area.

Each of these projects will receive up to CHF 250,000 for a period of 12 to 18 months. armasuisse is funding the first call for proposals with a total of two million francs. The projects were assessed by experts from science and armasuisse. A joint steering committee of armasuisse and the institutions of the ETH Domain decided on the selection. The next call for proposals is planned for fall 2026.

Joint research for the security of Switzerland

EPFL supports armasuisse in the implementation of the call for tenders. All institutions of the ETH Domain can participate in the calls for proposals:

• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ)
• Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI)
• Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL)
• Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (Empa)
• Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag)

In 2022, the DDPS and ETH Zurich created a joint advisory board for technology and innovation in order to strengthen the strategic partnership in favor of security-related research. EPFL has also been part of this committee since 2024. Work is currently underway to determine how the cooperation between the DDPS and the ETH Domain can be further expanded.

Source: www.ar.admin.ch/de