The country is prepared for attacks on critical infrastructure and cyberattacks, however the army still faces serious equipment shortages – said Thomas Suessli in an interview with the “NZZ” newspaper. The interview is quoted by Reuters.
— We are unable to defend ourselves against long-range threats or against a full-scale attack on our country. In such an event, only a third of the troops would be fully equipped, said Suessli, who ends his term at the end of the year.
Although Switzerland has committed to increasing defense spending, it is starting from a very low level. Today it is only 0.7 percent. GDP, and in 2032 it is expected to be only 1%.
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Recall that countries NATO has committed to financing the army at 5%. GDP. Switzerland could only reach this level by the middle of this century.
“That's too long, considering the threat,” Suessli said.
According to the general, Switzerland cannot feel safe due to its historical neutrality.
— This is not true from a historical point of view. There are several neutral countries that had no weapons and were drawn into the war. Neutrality only makes sense if it can be defended by force, he said.
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