Switzerland Moves to Acquire Mini-Drone Defense System Amid Rising Airspace Incursions
Switzerland is set to acquire its first mini-drone defense system after rising airspace incursions, as Europe moves toward a coordinated anti-drone “wall” to counter hybrid threats.
Bern — Switzerland’s armed forces have announced plans to acquire a defense system designed to detect and intercept mini-drones, as sightings of unidentified unmanned aerial vehicles increase across Europe — and suspicions grow over Russian-linked incursions.
Though not a member of the European Union or NATO, Switzerland is bolstering its national air defense posture amid a wave of low-altitude drone activity targeting sensitive military zones. Swiss defense officials say the move is a strategic response to a growing threat that traditional air defense systems were never designed to handle.
“It is essential to take effective measures against enemy mini-drones,” the Swiss military said in an official statement, adding that procurement efforts are now underway to select a suitable system for near-term deployment.
Growing Threat, Limited Protection
According to army spokeswoman Delphine Schwab-Allemand, the Swiss Army currently lacks dedicated countermeasures against micro, mini, and small drones — a vulnerability that has become increasingly evident over the past year.
“We have repeatedly spotted mini-drones this year over military grounds or near training zones,” Schwab-Allemand told AFP, confirming a notable increase in such incidents since 2023.
While officials declined to disclose the frequency or nature of incursions for operational reasons, the trend mirrors similar reports across Northern and Central Europe, where unidentified drones have been observed near air bases, radar sites, and energy infrastructure.
From Testing to Procurement
Switzerland’s armed forces field-tested an anti-drone system earlier this year, evaluating its capability to detect, track, and neutralize hostile UAVs. Following what the military described as “positive conclusions”, defense planners are now fast-tracking acquisition.
The system is expected to enhance protection of troops, critical infrastructure, and equipment, complementing Switzerland’s doctrine of armed neutrality and comprehensive national defense.
European Context: Building an Anti-Drone Wall
Several EU nations, including Poland, Finland, and the Baltic states, have called for an integrated “anti-drone wall”spanning their borders to counter Russian surveillance and hybrid threats. Switzerland’s decision aligns with a broader continental shift toward layered drone defense architectures.
While Switzerland maintains political neutrality, its geostrategic location and defense readiness posture make airspace integrity a top priority. Officials acknowledge that modern conflicts — from Ukraine to the Middle East — have demonstrated how small drones can deliver significant tactical impact, from reconnaissance to direct attacks.
Parallel Procurement: Mini-Drones for Swiss Forces
In addition to anti-drone systems, the Federal Office for Defence Procurement (Armasuisse) has signed framework contracts with three suppliers to supply commercially available mini-drones for reconnaissance and training purposes — underscoring the dual role of drones as both asset and threat in modern military operations.
