Defense National Council wants to regulate the protection of Swiss airspace more clearly
The National Council wants to clarify the responsibilities for the protection of Swiss airspace. This is because responsibilities are currently unclear in the event of incidents below the threshold of war, such as drone attacks on critical infrastructure in hybrid attacks.
12.03.2026, 09:32
SDA
The Council adopted a corresponding motion from its Security Policy Committee (SIK-N) on Thursday by 127 votes to 63 with two abstentions.
With the rapid pace of technological development, drones, electronic jamming devices and simple ballistic missiles are also becoming available to non-state actors. However, as the Federal Council already stated in its drone report of March 2, 2022, it is unclear whether the police, cantons, skyguide, the army or other federal offices are responsible below the threshold of war.
"As a result, it is often unclear at the beginning of a threat situation who should intervene," said rapporteur Gerhard Andrey (Greens/FR). This lack of clarity prevents "an effective and rapid response to threats from the air in the face of new challenges".
The urgency of the situation is also reflected in specific examples. Drones have been spotted near military bases such as the Meiringen BE military airfield, where it was unclear "who had the right to neutralize them", Andrey continued.
In order for Switzerland to be able to protect its airspace effectively in such situations, binding responsibilities and central coordination are needed. Finally, the creation of a national drone defence center should be examined in particular.
Federal Council is aware of the urgency
"In Switzerland, the operation of civilian drones is regulated in detail, but in some cases there is a lack of explicit legal powers and clear responsibilities for actively combating suspicious drones," said Defense Minister Martin Pfister in the Council.
Clear responsibilities for the protection of airspace contribute to Switzerland's security in both normal and extraordinary situations. "Against this background, it makes sense to review and, if necessary, adapt the legal basis," the Federal Council continued. He has already initiated the corresponding work. The Federal Council is aware of the urgency.
Next, the small chamber must deal with the SIK-N's request.
