Swiss military chief resigns amid warnings of critical security gaps
Switzerland’s top military leader, Thomas Süssli, has announced his resignation at the end of 2025. He has led the Swiss Armed Forces since January 2020 but now warns of urgent security gaps. The country faces growing threats from drones, rockets, and cyberattacks, with estimates suggesting a ten-billion-franc shortfall in defense funding is needed to address them.
Süssli, who reports directly to Federal Councilor Martin Pfister, admits he failed to clearly communicate the army’s struggles during his time in charge. His call for a full rearmament comes as Europe’s security situation worsens, partly due to Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics. Intelligence suggests Moscow may escalate its aggression by 2028 or 2029, raising fears of a wider conventional conflict.
The Swiss government must now decide how to fund the ten-billion-franc defense upgrade. Süssli’s resignation leaves a leadership gap as the country prepares for potential future threats. Without swift action, Switzerland’s military readiness could fall further behind in a fast-changing security environment.
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