Army chief Benedikt Roos: “A danger to Europe is also a danger to Switzerland”

“A danger to Europe is also a danger to Switzerland,” Benedikt Roos says as he begins his tenure as the country’s new army chief. The threats he lists extend well beyond conventional warfare: cyberattacks, espionage, disinformation, drones and the possibility that a conflict elsewhere in Europe could spread.

From his office in the east wing of the Federal Palace, Roos argues that Switzerland can no longer consider itself sheltered from the security risks affecting the continent. His response is direct: the country must quickly strengthen its air-defense capabilities.

The new commander of the Swiss armed forces has placed a large photograph of the Bernese Oberland’s three iconic peaks, the Mönch, Eiger and Jungfrau, in his office. The mountains are “his” mountains. He grew up in the region and, as a child, watched armored vehicles pass through his village from the Thun barracks.

That background helped shape his path into the military. At recruitment, he naturally chose tanks, without expecting that the decision would lead to a full military career. Since Jan. 1, 2026, he has served as army chief. Following Thomas Süssli, who came from the banking sector, the Federal Council selected a career soldier for the post.

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A danger to Europe is also a danger to Switzerland.