Khaberni - The Swiss Army announced on Friday that it intends to acquire a defensive system against "small drones" as part of reports on airspace breaches in several European countries, accusing Russia of being behind these incidents.
In this context, European leaders are seeking to build an "anti-drone wall" to protect their skies.
Switzerland, known for following a policy of military neutrality, is not a member of the European Union or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) but is now seeking to protect itself from drones as soon as possible.
The Swiss Army announced in a statement on Friday that "it is necessary to take effective measures against small enemy drones," expressing hope to deploy the defense system "in the near future."
Army spokesperson Delphine Schwab-Alman said, "Today the army does not have any means of protection or defense against small-sized drones."
After conducting a test this summer, the army submitted a request for tenders.
The statement added that "the positive results of this test along with the proliferation of drones prompted the army to task the Federal Office for Defense, armasuisse, with obtaining this system as a priority and enhancing the protection of forces, infrastructure, and equipment."
European Union countries suspect Russia behind the incidents of flying over sensitive sites, which have intensified in recent days.
Switzerland has not been immune from these incidents.
Schwab-Alman stated: "This year, the Swiss Army has repeatedly detected small drones over military lands or near military maneuvers outside training areas."
She added: "We have seen an increase in similar incidents since last year," indicating that the army for operational reasons does not announce their number, details, or measures to locate the pilots.
