Investigation Reveals Swiss Army's 'Swiss' Anti-Drone System is Made in Israel

A staggering CHF 3.5 million contract has exposed a complex reality behind Switzerland's national defense: the 'Swiss' anti-drone system is, at its core, Israeli technology. While the contract was officially awarded in October to Securiton, a trusted subsidiary of the Swiss Securitas Group, an investigation by SRF Rundschau has shattered the illusion of domestic manufacture. The system is not a product of Swiss engineering, but rather a rebranded import from D-Fend Solutions, a prominent Israeli arms manufacturer.

This revelation forces a confrontation with the opacity of Swiss defense procurement. Armasuisse, the federal procurement unit, maintains a defensive stance, asserting that while an "Israeli subcontractor is integrated," the responsibility remains Swiss. However, this semantic maneuvering does little to obscure the fact that the critical hardware protecting Swiss airspace is foreign-made. The reliance on Securiton as a middleman raises immediate questions about transparency and sovereignty. Switzerland is not merely buying a tool; it is outsourcing a critical security capability to a foreign entity, masking the origin under a local label. As global tensions rise, the definition of "Swiss Made" in the defense sector appears to be becoming increasingly fluid, challenging the public's perception of neutrality and self-reliance.

The system in question is no passive observer; it is an aggressive "Cyber Takeover" unit designed to dominate the airspace. Unlike traditional kinetic systems that shoot down threats, this technology relies on a sophisticated scanner that detects, hacks, and commandeers the radio signals of incoming drones. Once the signal is breached, the system remotely seizes control, forcing the enemy device to land safely. This is not theoretical tech—it has already been battle-tested on Swiss soil, deployed to protect the global elite at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The Securitas Group has confirmed its collaboration with D-Fend, acknowledging the integration of this advanced Israeli capability. The operational logic is clear: in an era where drone warfare is evolving at breakneck speed, Switzerland requires proven, cutting-edge countermeasures. D-Fend Solutions provides exactly that, offering a digital shield that neutralizes threats without firing a single shot. However, the reliance on this specific "Cyber Takeover" method underscores a significant shift in defensive strategy, moving from physical interception to electronic warfare. By adopting this system, the Swiss Army is admitting that the future of airspace security lies in the invisible battlefield of radio frequencies and code, a domain where Israel currently holds the master key.

Switzerland is walking a precarious geopolitical tightrope by deepening its arms cooperation with Israel amidst the ongoing Gaza War. The optics are undeniable: D-Fend Solutions is a known supplier to the Israeli army, and Swiss tax francs are now flowing directly into that ecosystem. Critics argue that this procurement entangles neutral Switzerland in a polarizing conflict, yet experts contend that the technological reality leaves little choice. Roland Siegwart, head of the Institute for Robotics at ETH Zurich, asserts that Israel is an undisputed leader in drone defense.

"We can’t avoid using such technologies in Switzerland from countries that have already tested them," Siegwart stated, acknowledging the uncomfortable truth. While he admits the situation is "political," the implication is that Switzerland cannot afford to let moral or diplomatic hesitation compromise its security. The Swiss military is prioritizing efficacy over optics, leveraging technology forged in active war zones to secure its own borders. This pragmatic approach highlights a stark dilemma: to possess the best defense, Switzerland must source from nations actively engaged in offense. As global warfare evolves, the luxury of sourcing purely 'neutral' technology is rapidly disappearing, forcing the Swiss government to make hard, controversial choices.

Despite the high price tag and advanced pedigree, the new system is not a silver bullet. A glaring vulnerability remains: the technology is powerless against autonomous drones. Professor Siegwart warns that while D-Fend is effective against "standard commercial drones" that rely on radio links, it cannot stop a drone that flies on a pre-programmed path without a signal connection. This capability gap represents a significant blind spot in Switzerland's defensive umbrella.

Armasuisse has declined to comment on this limitation, a silence that speaks volumes. If an adversary deploys autonomous technology—a capability that is becoming increasingly accessible—the CHF 3.5 million "Cyber Takeover" system becomes an expensive spectator. This raises critical questions about the long-term viability of the procurement. Is Switzerland investing in a solution for yesterday's threats while ignoring the dangers of tomorrow? As drone technology races toward full autonomy, the Swiss Army's reliance on signal-hacking tech may prove to be a temporary fix rather than a comprehensive solution. The nation remains vulnerable to the very cutting-edge threats it seeks to deter, leaving security experts to wonder if the current measures are truly enough to safeguard Swiss skies.