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Switzerland needs drone manufacturers

Wednesday, 22 October 2025 06:30

Switzerland must build its own drone industry, warns Thomas Rothacher, deputy director general at armasuisse.

Speaking to the Neue Zürcher Zeitung, he said the danger posed by drones is still underestimated and that Swiss firms should be encouraged to develop and export them.

But this, he added, requires easing current export restrictions on war material. 

Rothacher also cautioned that NATO countries are turning away from Swiss suppliers, while Europe remains behind in defending against drones. 

New Swiss anti-drone systems are expected by mid-2026.

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