Executive Summary
Switzerland participates in the third REAIM Summit (Responsible Use of AI in the Military Domain), taking place from February 4-5, 2026 in A Coruña, Spain. Deputy State Secretary Pälvi Pulli leads the Swiss delegation and advocates for the practical implementation of principles for responsible AI use in the military sector. The summit brings together states, international organizations, and experts to minimize risks and strengthen peace through secure AI applications. Switzerland emphasizes compliance with international law and plans to continue discussions in the future within the framework of the UN in Geneva.
Persons
- Pälvi Pulli – Deputy State Secretary for Security Policy
Topics
- Artificial Intelligence in the Military Sector
- International Security
- International Humanitarian Law
- Multilateral Governance
Clarus Lead
The third REAIM Summit marks a turning point in the international regulation of military AI systems. Switzerland uses this platform to advance the implementation of security standards—not merely as principles, but as concrete, verifiable practices. This is central, as technological development is advancing faster than legal normalization.
Clarus Core Performance (Mandatory)
Clarus Research: The REAIM process demonstrates three-year continuity (2023 Netherlands → 2024 South Korea → 2026 Spain), showing that military AI governance has risen to become a permanent diplomatic topic. Switzerland positions itself as a moderator, not an observer.
Classification: The shift from "principles to practice" addresses a core problem: international agreements without implementation mechanisms remain toothless. Switzerland recognizes that technical expertise, legal frameworks, and governance structures must be developed simultaneously.
Consequence: Relevant for decision-makers: Switzerland signals that it intends to bring the AI security debate into UN structures in Geneva—an attempt to institutionalize multilateral control and not rely on ad-hoc summits.
Detailed Summary
The REAIM Summit functions as a global platform for exchanging views on the safe use of Artificial Intelligence in military contexts. Participants include states, international organizations, scientists, the private sector, and representatives of civil society. The format enables broad dialogue between security policy, technology, and humanitarian perspectives.
The focus lies on translating recognized principles into implementable measures. This requires three elements: technical expertise to assess AI systems, practical deployment conditions that reflect real scenarios, and a clear legal framework supported by institutional governance.
The Swiss delegation, led by Pälvi Pulli, concentrates on three core points: first, ensuring that international law and international humanitarian law are upheld in AI development and deployment; second, the practical and sustainable implementation of previous agreements; third, institutionalizing the exchange within permanent UN structures in Geneva. Switzerland also moderates a discussion round on compliance with international humanitarian law in AI use in armed conflicts.
Key Statements
- The REAIM Summit is developing into an established platform for multilateral AI security governance (third edition in three years).
- Switzerland positions itself as a moderator and advocate for lawful, practically implementable standards in the military sector.
- Central challenge: translating principles into verifiable practices with clear legal and institutional structures.
- Goal is to anchor these debates in permanent UN structures to ensure continuity.
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Group | Role |
|---|---|
| States | Development and compliance with standards; security interests |
| Military & Defense Authorities | Practical implementation; technical requirements |
| Technology Companies | Compliance in AI development; market standards |
| Civil Society & Humanitarian Organizations | Monitoring compliance with international humanitarian law |
| UN & International Organizations | Institutionalization and norm-setting |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Establishment of binding standards before uncontrolled military AI use | Lack of enforcement mechanisms; states ignore standards |
| Technology transfer and best practices between countries | Military states use standards as legitimation without genuine compliance |
| Strengthening international humanitarian law in the digital age | Asymmetric arms dynamics: some countries comply with standards, others do not |
| Swiss soft power through moderator role | Geopolitical tensions undermine multilateral cooperation |
Action Relevance
For Security Policy Makers:
- Monitor whether Switzerland actually establishes UN structures in Geneva for permanent AI governance.
- Indicators: Concrete resolutions or working groups by end of 2026.
For Technology Companies:
- Expect increasingly regulatory requirements for military AI systems.
- Action: Develop compliance frameworks for dual-use technologies.
For Civil Society:
- Monitor whether humanitarian perspectives flow into the implementation process.
- Indicators: Transparency mechanisms, independent audits, public reporting.
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and figures verified
- [x] Summit dates and locations verified (February 4-5, 2026, A Coruña)
- [x] Delegation composition confirmed (VBS and EDA)
- [x] Continuity of REAIM process double-checked (2023, 2024, 2026)
- ⚠️ Concrete results of the summit not available (press release issued before event)
Supplementary Research
⚠️ No additional sources available in metadata. Recommended research topics:
- Previous REAIM declarations and principles (2023, 2024)
- UN activities on AI and armed conflicts
- Swiss security policy in the technology sector
Source Index
Primary Source:
Swiss Federal Government – Press Release: "Deputy State Secretary for Security Policy at Summit in Spain on Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Sector" – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/vT-znG-NnS6Z (February 4, 2026)
Verification Status: ✓ Facts verified on February 4, 2026
Footer (Transparency Notice)
This text was created with the support of Claude.
Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Checking: February 4, 2026
Note: This is a summary of a press release without additional research sources. Summit results to follow upon conclusion.