Switzerland
Swiss Federal Council Plans Drone Battalion and Officer Reductions for Military Overhaul
On July 17, 2026, the Swiss Federal Council announced new directives aimed at transforming the Swiss army from an instruction-focused force to an operational army. The overhaul includes streamlining the organizational structure, cutting senior officer positions, and establishing a drone battalion. However, the announcement has exposed internal government tensions: Guy Parmelin, head of the Federal Department of Economy, publicly criticized the military's deployments for sports and cultural events, revealing disagreement within the cabinet about the armed forces' civilian missions.