Summary
On April 1, 2026, the Federal Chancellor designated the MSK (Mobile Security Communications System) project as a key project of the federal administration. The system is intended to replace the existing Polycom system by 2035 and will provide a crisis-proof mobile communications platform for authorities, protection and rescue organizations, as well as operators of critical infrastructure. The designation as a key project was made due to its political relevance, strategic importance, and high investment requirements. A total of 21 initiatives are now defined as key projects of the federal administration.
Persons
- Federal Chancellor (Decision-maker; resolution of April 1, 2026)
Topics
- Digital Transformation
- Infrastructure & Security
- Federal Administration
- Information Technology
Clarus Lead
The designation as a key project underscores the growing criticality of communications infrastructure for the Swiss state. While key projects account for less than five percent of the civil project portfolio, they consume approximately half of the total expenditure – a signal of the concentration of resources on strategically prioritized initiatives. Enhanced oversight by the Federal Audit Office and coordination by the Secretaries-General Conference are intended to minimize risks in a project of this complexity.
Detailed Summary
Key projects of the federal administration are initiatives in the field of digital transformation and information technology that require enhanced management, coordination, and monitoring due to their size, strategic importance, complexity, or risks. The Federal Audit Office conducts systematic reviews of such projects. The designation as a key project does not change the responsibility of the competent departments and administrative units.
The MSK project replaces an outdated system with a modern, fail-safe communications solution. Investments in such infrastructure are necessary to ensure the operational capability of authorities and rescue organizations in crisis situations. The designation of key projects is made by the Federal Chancellor in accordance with the Digitalization Ordinance following consultation with the Secretaries-General Conference.
Key Messages
- MSK will be managed as a key project with enhanced oversight by the Federal Audit Office
- Introduction of the new system is planned for 2035; replacement of the Polycom system
- Key projects consume approximately 50% of the resources of the civil project portfolio, although they account for less than 5% of the project count
Critical Questions
Evidence/Data Quality: What technical and security requirements justify the estimated investment needs, and how has this been validated?
Conflicts of Interest: Which suppliers or technology partners are already involved in the tender or concept phase, and how is independence ensured?
Causality/Alternatives: Why was the replacement deadline set for 2035 – is this based on technical obsolescence of Polycom or on capacity planning of the federal administration?
Feasibility/Risks: What interfaces with cantonal systems and private infrastructure operators require coordination, and how are interoperability risks addressed?
Resources: How is it ensured that personnel resources for project management and quality assurance remain available during the nine-year implementation period?
Governance: What escalation mechanisms are defined if the project experiences delays or cost overruns?
Source Directory
Primary Source: New key project of digital transformation and information technology designated – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/oGw9uODtSE_J2syN4fwh_
Supplementary Sources:
- Digitalization Ordinance – https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/2025/235/de
- Key projects of the federal administration – https://www.bk.admin.ch/bk/de/home/digitale-transformation-ikt-lenkung/schluesselprojekte.html
Verification Status: ✓ 02.04.2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 02.04.2026