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The Swiss military faces significant financial challenges. Army chief Thomas Süssli (57) had to announce this recently. Canceling events such as the ‘AirSpirit 2024’ air show at short notice is only a first step in tackling the lack of money.
As Radio SRF reported on Wednesday, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Because: The financial need for arms purchases already made in the next two years will exceed one billion francs. The army is in a financial hole. Radio SRF bases its research on an army staff document that is only a few days old.
Deviated from your own financial planning
According to the internal document, part of the reason for the billion-dollar gap is that the military deviated from its own financial planning. Eight years ago, she had already planned in detail how the purchase of a new fighter jet and the strengthening of air defense would be financed.
Only: According to SRF, the army has deviated from this plan as of 2020. Namely by approving significantly more extensive weapons purchases. This has now led to significant financial bottlenecks.
But there are other reasons for the financial gap. Higher operating costs are reported, especially in IT. But inflation also has an impact.
Süssli must explain to the committee
Although a budget increase for the military was planned two years ago, the Federal Council decided to slow down financial expansion a year ago. This led to delays in the additional resources. Nevertheless, the Federal Council and Parliament approved further arms purchases last year, Radio SRF continued.
Given the precarious situation, the Ministry of Defense (VBS) is now negotiating extended payments with defense suppliers. A second option, namely canceling weapons purchases that have already been decided, is also being considered. This option was previously considered taboo, according to Radio SRF.
The army will probably only comment on the financial debacle after the Security Policy Committee of the Council of States has been extensively informed about the causes and consequences of the financial problems. Army Chief Süssli must report to the committee tomorrow. (oco)
Source:Blick
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