Security for Switzerland
The DDPS is responsible for Switzerland’s security policy – that policy is implemented through the Armed Forces, the State Secretariat for Security Policy, the Federal Office for Civil Protection, the Federal Intelligence Service, armasuisse and the National Cyber Security Centre. The role of the DDPS also involves promoting sport through the Federal Office for Sport and producing geoinformation through swisstopo
Media releases
Federal Council approves Swiss participation in NATO crisis management exercise
At its meeting on 20 November 2024, the Federal Council approved Switzerland’s participation in a NATO exercise that focuses on crisis management. The exercise will take place in spring 2025.
President Amherd and Federal Councillor Parmelin receive Swedish Minister for Civil Defence Bohlin in Bern
On 12 November, President Viola Amherd, head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) and Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), will receive Sweden’s Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin in Bern for an exchange on current security policy issues.
Digital Switzerland Advisory Board: Cybersecurity is an important basis for digitalisation
At the meeting of the Digital Switzerland Advisory Board on 8 November, the National Cyberstrategy (NCS) was the focus of discussions. Under the leadership of the President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd and with the participation of Federal Chancellor Viktor Rossi, representatives of the cantons, business, science and civil society took stock of cybersecurity measures and highlighted the challenges and opportunities of the current strategy.
Administrative units
Federal Intelligence Service
The Federal Intelligence Service is a Swiss security policy instrument with a mission that is clearly defined in legal terms. Its core tasks are prevention and situation assessment for the political leaders.
Federal Office for Procurement (armasuisse)
The Federal Office for Procurement (armasuisse) is responsible for the research, development, evaluation, procurement, maintenance and liquidation of equipment and infrastructure for the armed forces and other customers.
State Secretariat for Security Policy SEPOS
The State Secretariat develops strategic options for action for the attention of political leaders. It also manages the three special services for Information Security, for Security background investigations and for Industrial Security.
National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
The National Cyber Security Centre is the federal government's competence centre for cybersecurity and thus the first point of contact for businesses, public services, educational institutions and the population when it comes to cyberissues.
Defence sector
The mission of the Armed Forces includes area security and defence, subsidiary operations to prevent and overcome mortal dangers as well as contributions to peace promotion within an international framework.
Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP)
The Federal Office for Civil Protection coordinates the protection of the Swiss population against disasters and emergencies. It also plans the development of the civil protection and the civil defence organisations.
General Secretariat of the DDPS
The General Secretariat of the DDPS supports the Head of Department as a member of the Federal Council and in the management of the department. It is responsible for implementing the political strategy in the administrative units.
Federal Office of Topography swisstopo
The Federal Office of Topography (swisstopo) is the centre of competence for the Swiss Confederation responsible for geographical reference data, for instance the description, representation and archiving of geographic spatial data.
Federal Office for Sport (FOSPO)
The Federal Office for Sport is the state centre of expertise for sport. It fulfils the tasks arising from the government's promotion of gymnastics and sport, such as training, instruction, research and associated services.
Office of the Armed Forces Attorney General
The Office of the Armed Forces Attorney General is responsible in administrative and organisational terms for the fulfilment of the tasks of the military tribunal.
Contact
Bundeshaus Ost
CH - 3003 Bern