The Security Policy Commission of the Council of States (SIK-S) discussed the Federal Council’s army message at its meeting. She unanimously recommended that the Small Chamber accept the army message. An application that called for a waiver of the procurement of the new army pistol and wanted to increase the commitment credit for protection against mini-drones by 50 million was rejected.
The commission also approved the additional loan of 394 million francs in order to be able to procure 30 F-35 fighter jets. However, a majority of the commission emphasized that “for security policy reasons, at least 55 to 70 fighter aircraft would be needed to sustainably protect Switzerland from threats from the air.”
The Council of States will consider the army message during the summer session.
Majority of SIK-S supports EU security partnership
In addition to the army message, the SIK-S dealt with a proposal that wants to instruct the Federal Council to hold talks with the EU for a possible partnership in security and defense. Based on this, the government should develop a negotiating mandate and present it to the responsible commissions in parliament. The commission approved the project with seven votes to five.
In addition, the majority of the SIK-S spoke out in favor of intensifying border controls to combat illegal migration and cross-border crime and recommended two corresponding proposals for adoption.
