Unmanned systems for the Swiss Armed Forces: DDPS plans “Eiger” centre, drone battalion and recruit school

Given the threat situation, drones, counter-drone defence and robotics are a strategic priority of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS, German: VBS). A centre for unmanned systems is intended to develop and test new technologies more rapidly together with academia and industry and to get them to the troops.

Tech hub and command under one roof

The plan is a civil-military centre for drones and robotics consisting of two parts: a tech hub and a military command. The tech hub brings together what the troops need, what armasuisse can deliver technologically and what universities, start-ups and industry know.

There, new solutions are to be jointly created, tested and quickly made available for military use. The military command comprises a trials organisation and a training organisation. It tests new systems under conditions as close to reality as possible and is responsible for training the drone battalion.

The competence centre is also to be open to other federal departments, the cantons and the emergency services. The project name is “Eiger”. Neither the location nor the budget framework nor the opening date has been set so far; according to Defence Minister Martin Pfister, it is to be established in the coming months.

A dedicated drone force from 2028

From 2028 the armed forces will deploy a dedicated drone battalion for reconnaissance, effects and defence. The foundation is a first drone recruit school, which is to start as early as spring 2027, systematically build up the necessary skills and supply the battalion with personnel.

Beyond the battalion, drone skills are to be anchored throughout the armed forces. This will benefit from the knowledge and experience of militia members who come from industry, science and technology.

Unmanned systems and counter-drone defence: funding for both

Investment goes into both using drones and defending against them; the first counter-drone systems have already been introduced. The Federal Council initiated the next capability step with the Armed Forces Dispatch 2026. The Armament Programme 2027 provides further funds – to protect additional infrastructure and formations and to equip the new drone battalion.

As the technologies evolve constantly and rapidly, the armed forces intend to procure more selectively: in smaller quantities and in shorter cycles. Systems that prove themselves are to reach the troops quickly and be developed further there on the basis of operational experience.

Responsibilities under review

Today, counter-drone defence is in the hands of various authorities and agencies as well as private infrastructure operators. Under the lead of the DDPS, an interdepartmental working group is examining the current responsibilities and legal bases and clarifying what needs to change in view of the altered threat situation. The work also responds to a parliamentary mandate.

One trigger for this is that more drones are flying over military and critical infrastructure in Switzerland. The Federal Council called for a rapid build-up of capabilities in drones and robotics and their comprehensive integration into the armed forces in its defence guidelines of 19 June 2026 and in its armament planning.