Executive Summary
The Federal Office of Defence armasuisse has published current figures on offset transactions as of the end of 2025. The offset register comprises 18 procurement projects with commitments of 5.42 billion Swiss francs, of which 2.85 billion francs had already been fulfilled through compensation transactions with foreign suppliers by the end of 2025. In 2025 alone, 141 offset transactions worth 665 million francs were conducted, predominantly in German-speaking Switzerland.
Persons & Organizations
Topics
- Defence procurement and compensation obligations
- Economic compensation measures
- Regional economic promotion
- Air defence systems
Detailed Summary
Offset Register and Current Commitments
The offset register currently documents 18 ongoing offset programs with total commitments of 5.42 billion Swiss francs. By the end of 2025, 2.85 billion francs (52.6%) had been fulfilled. In the reporting year 2025, two commitments were completed: Thales LAS France SAS for the Florako airspace surveillance system and CAE USA for the F/A-18 sustainment program. Four new commitments were added from Elbit Systems Ltd., EuroSpike GmbH, Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH, and Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG for various air defence and ammunition projects.
Air2030 Program
Within the Air2030 program, different fulfillment rates are evident:
- F-35A combat aircraft (Lockheed Martin): 803 million francs fulfilled, corresponding to 34% of the compensation obligation
- Patriot air defence system (Raytheon Missiles & Defense): 582 million francs fulfilled, corresponding to 56% of the compensation obligation
Both commitments must be fulfilled by end of 2034. The regional distribution follows a fixed key: 65% German-speaking Switzerland, 30% French-speaking Switzerland, 5% Italian-speaking Switzerland.
Banking Register
The banking register documents 6 ongoing banking agreements, which enable foreign suppliers to pre-fulfill up to 20% of future compensation obligations through indirect offset transactions. This creates planning certainty for both sides.
Key Figures 2025
In 2025, 141 offset transactions with a total value of 665 million francs were conducted:
- Regional distribution: 83% German-speaking Switzerland, 13% French-speaking Switzerland, 4% Italian-/Romansh-speaking Switzerland
- Transaction types: 61% subcontracts for military material, 18% security-relevant goods/services, 13% technology transfers, 8% project financing
- Company types: 72% large enterprises, 28% SMEs
- Economic sectors: 53% repair/installation of machinery, 20% data processing and electronic products
Key Messages
- Over 52% of offset obligations have already been fulfilled; the program is on track
- F-35A procurement shows lower fulfillment rate (34%), while Patriot system is already 56% compensated
- German-speaking Switzerland benefits disproportionately from offset transactions (83% in 2025)
- SME participation of 28% shows broad distribution across medium-sized enterprises
- Technology transfer and subcontracts dominate compensation measures
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Beneficiaries | Obligated Parties | Observers |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss companies (large and SMEs) | Foreign defence suppliers | Cantons (regional distribution) |
| German-speaking Swiss economy | Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Elbit Systems | Parliament, public |
| Technology clusters | Employees in affected sectors |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Technology transfer to Swiss companies | Regional imbalances (83% German-speaking Switzerland) |
| Economic stimulus for SMEs (28% share) | Dependence on defence procurement |
| Jobs in strategic sectors | Long-term commitment until 2034 |
| Planning certainty through banking register | Geopolitical risks with US suppliers |
Action Relevance
Relevant for decision-makers:
- Monitoring fulfillment rates: F-35A compensation significantly behind Patriot system; examine acceleration
- Regional compensation measures: French-speaking and Italian-speaking Switzerland underrepresented; initiate targeted measures
- SME support: Maintain and expand 28% share through targeted information campaigns
- Technology transfer quality: Ensure that 13% of technology transfers align with strategic objectives
- Long-term planning: Preparation for 2034 fulfillment deadline for Air2030 programs
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and figures verified (armasuisse press release)
- [x] All percentages validated
- [x] No unconfirmed data identified
- [x] No apparent political bias detected
Supplementary Research
- Federal Office of Defence (armasuisse) – Official offset and banking registers: https://www.armasuisse.ch/
- State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) – Defence export statistics and compensation measures
- Parliamentary reports – Oversight of offset obligations by the Federal Customs Administration
Source List
Primary Source:
Press Release Federal Office of Defence armasuisse – "Current Figures on Offset Transactions as of End of 2025" (January 13, 2026)
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/v5kepmCgLH7b4rQEfTgqR
Supplementary Sources:
- Armasuisse Offset Register (updated quarterly)
- Armasuisse Banking Register (agreements and credits)
- Federal Council – Security Policy Report 2024 (Defence procurement)
Verification Status: ✓ Facts verified on January 13, 2026
This text was created with the support of Claude.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: January 13, 2026