Drones, Counter-Drone Systems and Robotics: DDPS Sets Strategic Priority to Strengthen Defence Capabilities
Bern, 27.08.2026 — In light of the current threat landscape, the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection, and Sports (DDPS) is placing a strategic focus on drones, drone defense, and robotics. Through the Center for Unmanned Systems, the DDPS aims to work with the scientific community and industry to develop, test, and integrate new technologies into the armed forces more quickly. A new drone battalion and a dedicated drone recruit school will strengthen military capabilities and training. At the same time, the DDPS is investing in drones and systems to counter them, and is aligning its procurement strategy with rapid technological developments. In addition, the legal framework and areas of responsibility are being adapted to the threat landscape.
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 for hybrid conflict. In Switzerland, too, there has been an increase in drone flights over military and critical infrastructure. With its Guidelines for Defense, published in June 2026, and its defense planning, the Federal Council has therefore mandated rapid capability development in the field of drones and robotics, as well as their comprehensive integration into the armed forces.
DDPS Center for Unmanned Systems
With the Center for Unmanned Systems, the DDPS is establishing a civil-military center for drones and robotics. It consists of a Tech Hub and a military command.
The Tech Hub will link the needs of the troops, the technological expertise of armasuisse, and the knowledge of universities, startups, and industry. New solutions are to be jointly developed, tested, and rapidly made 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 academia and industry via the Tech Hub.
The center of excellence will also be open to other departments, cantons, and emergency services. Seamless cooperation among all levels of government and organizations is essential given the current threat landscape.
Drone Battalion and Drone Recruit School
Starting in 2028, the Army will deploy its own drone battalion. Its responsibilities are likely to include reconnaissance and surveillance, support to military operations, the use of drones to generate effects, contributions to counter-drone operations and support for the protection of critical infrastructure. 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 deployment of drones and their defense. The first drone defense systems have already been introduced. With the 2026 Armed Forces Dispatch, the Federal Council has initiated further capability development. The 2027 Armament Program allocates additional funds to protect 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 rapidly deployed to the troops and further developed based on the experience gained there.
Clear Responsibilities for Drone Defense
Various authorities, agencies, and 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 which 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).