Swiss Army Welcomes New Chief as Leadership Shifts in 2026
The Swiss Armed Forces marked a leadership change on Thursday as Thomas Süssli handed over command to Benedikt 'Bänz' Roos. The ceremony in Lucerne drew around 120 guests from politics, business, and the military. Roos will officially begin his role as Army Chief on New Year’s Day 2026.
Thomas Süssli had led the Swiss Army since January 1, 2020. His resignation, announced in February alongside intelligence chief Christian Dussey, paved the way for the transition. Defence Minister Martin Pfister named Roos as the new army chief in September.
Roos, a 60-year-old from Bern, brings over 25 years of experience as a professional officer. Before this appointment, he served as Commander of the Army and, earlier, as head of army planning. His promotion to Commander of the Army came just a year ago.
The handover follows another key departure: former Defence Minister Viola Amherd announced her resignation at the end of March. With Roos set to take charge in 2026, the Swiss military now prepares for a new phase under his leadership.
The ceremony in Lucerne formally closed Süssli’s tenure and set the stage for Roos’s upcoming term. His extensive military background and recent leadership roles position him as a seasoned successor. The Swiss Armed Forces will now operate under his command from January 2026.
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