BBC Weekend 6:00am - 9:00am

Listen Live

Search

Govt wants war drones and fighting robots

Monday, 22 June 2026 at 06:30

(c) US Air Force

The military is set for a major overhaul, with plans to create a dedicated drone and robotics battalion by 2028.

The Federal Council says the army must adapt to emerging threats, including cyberattacks, hybrid warfare and long-range strikes. 

Under the strategy, around 80 percent of military investment will focus on air defence, drone capabilities and protecting critical infrastructure. 

Defence Minister Martin Pfister says the goal is to transform the army from a training force into a combat-ready force, although the plans depend on approval of additional funding, including a proposed VAT increase.

Share

More from Bitesize News

  • Vaud's tallest building now open

    The Tilia Tower, Vaud's tallest residential building at 85 metres, has officially opened in Prilly's Malley district

  • SBB app update

    SBB has updated its mobile app with four new features aimed at daily commuters and expat travellers

  • Lausanne benefit for Crans Montana fire victim

    The Alix Perroud Foundation hosted a benefit evening at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne last night, in memory of a young woman who died in the Crans-Montana fire

  • Lagarde soon to exit the ECB

    Christine Lagarde will leave the European Central Bank in early February next year, nine months before her mandate ends, the ECB announced on yesterday

  • UBS could move out of Switzerland

    UBS chief Sergio Ermotti has repeated his warning that the bank could leave Switzerland, telling Bloomberg that a Swiss passport is no longer enough to keep the bank here

  • Swiss office reopened in North Korea

    Switzerland reopened its diplomatic office in Pyongyang yesterday — the first visit by a Federal Councillor to North Korea in more than twenty years

Follow WRS

Download our app

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play