Summary

Territorial Division 2 (Ter Div 2) will conduct the major exercise "Conex 26" for four weeks in June 2026 in northwestern Switzerland. Approximately 3,500 soldiers will train rapid mobilization, operational readiness under realistic conditions, and cooperation with civil authorities. The exercise aims to verify and strengthen defense capabilities. The mobilization scenario involves an elevated threat level, which is why security measures at military facilities have been reinforced. The exercise is part of regular refresher courses and serves to ensure operational readiness.

Personnel

  • Command Territorial Division 2 (Responsible Command)

Topics

  • Swiss Army
  • Military Training
  • Mobilization Exercise
  • Civil-Military Cooperation
  • National Security

Clarus Lead

The exercise "Conex 26" signals increased attention by the Swiss Army to mobilization scenarios under heightened conditions. The focus on coordinated cooperation with civil authorities in managing hybrid threats shows that defense planning is no longer conceived in isolation from a military perspective. This has consequences for coordination between the federal government, cantons, and partners in crisis situations – a relevant topic for decision-makers in security and civil protection.

Detailed Summary

"Conex 26" is a four-week field exercise with 3,500 military personnel at multiple locations in northwestern Switzerland. The central focus is on mobilizing military units under an elevated threat level – the army tests its ability to equip larger units and make them operational within a short timeframe. In preparation, security measures at military facilities have been reinforced to protect the troops during the elevated threat scenario.

After the mobilization phase, the units train in three arenas with differentiated focal points. A core aspect is cooperation with cantonal authorities and civil partner organizations under real conditions – particularly in managing so-called hybrid threats. The exercise is conducted in close coordination with the participating cantons to verify and further develop the interaction between the military and civil authorities.

Key Statements

  • 3,500 soldiers train mobilization and operational readiness under elevated threat level
  • Simultaneous mobilization at multiple locations and decentralized training in three arenas are central exercise elements
  • Civil-military cooperation in managing hybrid threats is trained and evaluated under realistic conditions

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence/Data Quality: What specific findings from previous exercises led to the conception of "Conex 26" – are there measurable deficits in mobilization speed or coordination?

  2. Conflicts of Interest/Independence: To what extent do the reinforced security measures at military facilities affect the realism of the exercise if conditions are artificially elevated?

  3. Causality/Alternatives: What alternative scenarios (e.g., different threat types or geographic constellations) were considered, and why was the current scenario chosen?

  4. Feasibility/Risks: How are potential disruptions or incidents during the four-week exercise handled without affecting the civilian population?

  5. Substance/Measurement: By what criteria is operational readiness measured – are there quantifiable benchmarks or performance indicators?

  6. Coordination/Dependencies: What dependencies exist between the three arenas, and how is it ensured that findings from one arena are transferred to the others?

Source Directory

Primary Source: Exercise "Conex 26" – Territorial Division 2 – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/VJbltRo65YBKzF76jskgs

Verification Status: ✓ 01.06.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 01.06.2026