Publication Date: Press ReleasePublished on November 20, 2025
Author: admin.ch (Federal Administration)
Source: news.admin.ch
Publication Date: November 20, 2025
Summary Reading Time: 3 minutes
Executive Summary
The Swiss Army is arming itself against the growing threat of mini-drones and, following successful field tests, has commissioned domestic supplier Securiton to deliver several defense systems. The procurement demonstrates how modern armies must respond to asymmetric threats – from Ukraine to critical infrastructures worldwide, mini-drones have proven their effectiveness. The question of data protection and civilian use remains critical for this surveillance technology in subsidiary army deployments.
Critical Guiding Questions
1. Where is the boundary between military security and civilian data protection when drone defense systems are also deployed in "subsidiary operations in support of civilian authorities"?
2. What long-term competitive advantages arise for the Swiss security industry when domestic suppliers are preferred for critical defense technologies?
3. How transparent is the evaluation process, and what technical standards apply to systems that can monitor both military and civilian spaces?
Scenario Analysis: Future Perspectives
Short-term (1 year):
Installation and commissioning of Securiton systems at Meiringen airfield and other military sites. Initial operational experience will shape future procurements.
Medium-term (5 years):
Expansion to civilian critical infrastructures (airports, nuclear power plants, government buildings). Possible integration into existing airspace surveillance and development of Swiss standards for drone defense.
Long-term (10–20 years):
Switzerland as an exporter of drone defense technology, enhanced European cooperation on asymmetric threats. Legal frameworks for the boundary between military and police drone defense.
Main Summary
Core Topic & Context
Following a four-week field test at Meiringen airfield, armasuisse has awarded Swiss company Securiton the contract for several semi-mobile drone defense systems. The procurement responds to an identified security gap in defending against mini-drones that can threaten both military infrastructures and civilian facilities during army deployments.
Key Facts & Figures
- Four-week evaluation test conducted at Meiringen airfield
- Multiple systems ordered (exact number not communicated)
- Semi-mobile design enables flexible deployment
- Swiss supplier Securiton receives contract
- Dual use: military infrastructures and subsidiary deployments
- Contract volume: [⚠️ To be verified - not communicated]
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
Directly affected: Swiss Army, armasuisse, Securiton AG, military sites
Indirectly affected: Civilian authorities in subsidiary deployments, air traffic, drone manufacturers and users in the civilian sector, competing security companies
Opportunities & Risks
Opportunities: Closing an identified security gap, strengthening the domestic security industry, export potential for proven technology
Risks: Unclear legal boundaries for civilian use, possible restrictions on legal drone use, dependence on a single supplier
Action Relevance
Security industry should evaluate market opportunities for follow-up contracts. Civilian drone operators must expect stricter restrictions. Data protection officers should demand deployment guidelines for subsidiary use.
References
Primary Source:
armasuisse Press Release
Verification Status: ✅ Facts verified on November 20, 2025