Archive · 13 Sep 2025
Switzerland Appoints New Army Chief Amid Procurement Issues
Switzerland has a new boss for its army, named Benedikt Roos.
He is taking over from Thomas Suessli, and his job includes fixing some problems.
One big issue is that the cost of new fighter jets from the US went up a lot.
Roos is a military professional, unlike the previous leader, who was an IT expert.
The country also has a new head of the intelligence service.
Switzerland is planning to spend more money on defense in the future, but they may face delays in getting weapons due to global demand and its neutrality stance.
Major General Benedikt Roos appointed as new Swiss army chief.
Roos replaces Thomas Suessli, who resigned.
Suessli's tenure marked by delays and cost overruns, including the F-35A jets.
Switzerland plans to increase defense spending.
The US is prioritizing support for Ukraine, potentially delaying Swiss arms deliveries.
- Who
- Switzerland appointed Major General Benedikt Roos as the new chief of its armed forces.
- What
- Roos's role involves resolving controversies and procurement issues, succeeding Thomas Suessli.
- When
- Roos will start his new role on January 1st.
- Where
- Switzerland
- Why
- Roos was chosen to bring credibility to the army's leadership and address issues like rising costs for the F-35A fighter jets.
- New Army Chief
- Major General Benedikt Roos
- Previous Army Chief
- Thomas Suessli
- Roos's Start Date
- January 1st
- F-35A Jets Cost Increase
- Up to 1.3 billion Swiss francs
- Defense Spending
- 0.7% of GDP (plan to raise to 1% by 2030)
- New Head of Intelligence Service
- Serge Bavaud