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
Medium-range ground-based air defence: armasuisse tested new radar to strengthen defence capability
Between 31 March and 11 April 2025, the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse tested the TRML-4D sensor (radar) for the new medium-range ground-based air defence system in cooperation with the Swiss Armed Forces. A further step in the procurement process was achieved with the testing. The properties of the radar were tested in the specific Swiss topography and various investigations on frequency compatibility with civilian systems such as the weather radar were carried out. Testing took place alternately at the federally-owned “Homberg” and at the site of the Emmen aerodrome.
Switzerland participates on the NATO Science and Technology Board
Due to its contributions in the fields of research and technology over the years as part of the Partnership for Peace, Switzerland has been invited by NATO to regularly attend the meetings of the Science and Technology Board (STB) of the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO) from March 2025 onwards. From 7 to 9 April 2025, Switzerland will be represented by the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse at the STB meeting in Brussels, where it will present its priorities in the area of research and technology development.
Air2030: Radar sensors of the Air Force: Fourth system in operation after modernisation
The radar sensors of the air surveillance and central dispatching system of the Swiss Air Force have been modernised. On 20 March 2025, armasuisse handed over the fourth and last completely rebuilt system of the Armed Forces for operational deployment. The conversion, which is being carried out as part of the “Radar” project, took place step by step at each location. The modernisation of the radar sensors was approved in the 2016 armament programme.
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