Swiss army chief warns Russia could target Switzerland

Switzerland is a potential target for Moscow because of its role in the Western world and its critical infrastructure, Army Chief Benedikt Roos told Swiss public broadcaster SRF. He said the country was attacked every day and that he was concerned about its security.

Roos said Switzerland had infrastructure important to Europe, including electricity and gas distribution networks, major north-south routes and large data centres. Russia could target the country as part of efforts to destabilise Europe, he said.

The army has recorded more drone activity over critical infrastructure in Switzerland. Roos said about 80 percent of drone flights over military facilities were carried out by tourists or private individuals, while the remaining 20 percent could not be clearly attributed. Some cases are being investigated with the police.

He said Switzerland needed to strengthen its ability to defend against drones. The number of small reconnaissance drones used by troops had increased tenfold within a year, but the army was only now establishing a drone competence centre.

Switzerland also has major gaps in its ability to defend against cruise missiles and ballistic missiles, Roos said. The new Patriot system has been delayed and become more expensive, prompting the army to examine alternatives that could close the gap more quickly.

Roos said public awareness of the security situation remained too low. Switzerland was no longer an isolated haven, he said, and the possibility of the country becoming involved in a crisis was not sufficiently recognised.