Archive · 28 Jan 2026
Switzerland to Increase Defence Spending with Tax Hike
Switzerland wants to spend more money on its military and security.
To pay for this, they plan to raise the sales tax a little bit for 10 years starting in 2028.
The government says the world is more dangerous now, with things like wars and cyberattacks happening more often.
They want to use the extra money to protect the country better, including things like computers, spying, and border control.
But first, they need to get approval from the parliament and the people through a vote.
Switzerland plans to increase defence spending by 31 billion Swiss francs ($40.38 billion) starting in 2028.
The government proposes a 0.8 percentage point increase in sales tax for 10 years to fund the defence boost.
The move is driven by concerns over geopolitical instability, including conflicts in Ukraine, U.S.-China rivalry, and Middle East tensions.
Spending priorities include IT, cybersecurity, electromagnetic reconnaissance, police, and border protection.
The plan requires parliamentary approval and may face a referendum in 2024.
- Who
- Swiss government and Federal Council
- What
- Plans to increase defence spending and sales tax
- When
- Starting in 2028, with a potential referendum in 2024
- Where
- Switzerland
- Why
- Due to a deterioration in the geopolitical situation and increased security threats
- Additional Defence Funding
- 31 billion Swiss francs ($40.38 billion)
- Funding Period
- 10 years starting in 2028
- Sales Tax Increase
- 0.8 percentage points
- Current Defence Spending
- Less than 1% of GDP until 2032
- Spending Priorities
- IT, cybersecurity, electromagnetic reconnaissance, police, and border protection