Switzerland cannot defend itself against a full-scale attack and must increase its defense spending, taking into account the growing risks emanating from Russia, the head of the national armed forces, Lieutenant General Thomas Suesli, said, quoted by Reuters, BTA reported.
In an interview with "Neue Züricher Zeitung", he said the country was prepared for attacks on its critical infrastructure and cyberattacks, but its armed forces still faced significant equipment gaps.
"We cannot defend ourselves against threats from afar or even from a full-scale attack on our country. "You have to be aware that in a real emergency, only a third of all soldiers will be fully equipped," said Süssli, who is stepping down at the end of the year.
Switzerland is increasing its defense spending, modernizing its artillery and replacing its aging aircraft with Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets. At the same time, critics have questioned the spending amid problems with the national finances.
Süssli said that sentiment towards the armed forces had not changed despite the war in Ukraine and Russian efforts to destabilize Europe. He cited Switzerland's distance from the conflict, its lack of recent combat experience and the mistaken belief that neutrality brings protection.
"But that is historically inaccurate. There have been several neutral countries that were unarmed and were drawn into war. "Neutrality only has value if it can be defended with weapons," he added.
Switzerland has committed to gradually increasing its defense spending to around 1% of GDP by 2032 from the current roughly 0.7% - significantly less than the five percent agreed upon by NATO countries.