Executive Summary
The Mobile Security Communications System (MSK) will replace the existing Polycom network by 2035 and forms the backbone of secure communications for the federal government, cantons, and critical infrastructure. To better leverage synergies with the Army telecommunications project, Federal Councillor Martin Pfister has transferred project responsibility from the Federal Office of Civil Protection (BABS) to the Cyber Command of the Defense Group. A preliminary project with the cantons will now clarify cooperation, integration, and governance.
Persons
Topics
- National security communications
- Digitalization of government communications
- Synergies between civil and military sectors
- Federal coordination (federal-cantonal)
Detailed Summary
The MSK is a national, mobile broadband security communications system that provides the federal government, cantons, and critical infrastructure operators with a unified, crisis-resistant communications platform. The replacement of the Polycom network by 2035 is time-critical.
The system is based on proven civilian technology and follows a modular architectural principle with several partially independent components. Failsafe capability is ensured through redundancy and degradation capability – critical components are strategically built up while existing infrastructure is integrated. This enables communication even under crisis conditions.
The solution architecture is based on the Civil Services Co-use (MzD) sub-project of the Army telecommunications project. This project hardens civilian data networks for military use and thereby increases resilience. Through this coordination, synergies are created without merging MSK and MzD – both remain independent projects under unified strategic leadership.
Organizational responsibility now lies with the Cyber Command of the Defense Group. The VBS works closely with the cantons from the outset. In the ongoing preliminary project, tasks, competencies, responsibilities, financing, and project organization are being defined. The governance structure will be approved by cantonal government conferences and the Federal Council.
The MSK contributes to digitalization and ensures that communications are conducted under the control of the federal government, Army, and authorities as well as rescue and security organizations (BORS).
Key Messages
- Strategic Shift: Project responsibility transferred from BABS to Cyber Command – focus on synergies with Army telecommunications
- Technological Approach: Modular architecture with redundancy and degradation capability for crisis security
- Federal Coordination: Integration of cantons from the start as a priority; governance through cantonal conferences and Federal Council
- Timeline: Polycom replacement by 2035; preliminary project ongoing in 2026
- Security Standard: Communications remain under the control of the federal government, Army, and BORS
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Group | Role |
|---|---|
| Federal Government (VBS, Army) | Project responsibility, financing, operations |
| Cantons | Users, participation in governance, integration in project organization |
| Critical Infrastructure | System users |
| BABS | Previous project leadership (responsibility transferred) |
| Cyber Command | New project responsibility |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Synergies with Army telecommunications reduce costs | Complex federal governance delays decisions |
| Modular architecture enables flexible expansion | Dependence on civilian infrastructure during crisis |
| Unified system increases interoperability | Change in project leadership could jeopardize continuity |
| Crisis resilience through redundancy and degradation | Financing risks with extended project duration |
| Better control over national communications | Possible cantonal resistance to governance arrangements |
Action Relevance
Relevant for decision-makers:
- Monitor governance definition: Observe clarification of competencies and financing model in preliminary project 2026
- Cantonal coordination: Ensure early involvement of cantonal government conferences
- Examine synergy effects: Validate whether MzD architecture actually reduces costs
- Risk management: Regularly test redundancy concept and failure scenarios
- Monitor timeline: Do not jeopardize 2035 deadline for Polycom replacement
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements verified (project responsibility, technology, timeline)
- [x] All figures and data taken from media release
- [x] No unconfirmed speculation added
- [x] No apparent bias or political one-sidedness
- ⚠️ Detailed cost figures and concrete synergy effects not quantified (typical for media release)
Supplementary Research
- Official VBS project page: Current information on MSK preliminary project and milestones
- Report on Army telecommunications project: Context and status of MzD sub-project
- Cantonal positions: Statements from government conferences on MSK integration
Sources
Primary Source:
VBS Media Release – "Leveraging Synergies: Defense Group Takes Over Project Leadership for the Mobile Security Communications System"
Published: January 13, 2026
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/ptidpRimQG9mQhW83LiY5
Supplementary Sources:
- Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport (VBS) – Project Portal
- Army Telecommunications Report – Civil Services Co-use Sub-project (MzD)
- Conference of Cantonal Governments (KdK) – Statements on Federal Security Communications
Verification Status: ✓ Facts checked on January 13, 2026
This text was created with the support of Claude.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: January 13, 2026