News
Swiss delegation signs first F-35A – production and delivery of the fighter aircraft on track
The first Swiss F-35A fighter aircraft is taking shape: A delegation with the Chief of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Benedikt Roos, the National Armaments Director Urs Loher and the Commander of the Air Force, Major General Christian Oppliger, signed a structural component of the first F-35A destined for Switzerland on 21 September 2026. During a visit to the Lockheed Martin facility in Fort Worth, Texas, the representatives from the DDPS were briefed on the production status and exchanged views with representatives from the US armed forces and the manufacturer.
Two new football pitches opened in West Bank
Switzerland is supporting access to sport and safe meeting spaces for children in the occupied Palestinian territory. Alongside the world football federation FIFA, the FDFA has created two new football pitches – in Marah Rabah and Qusin – that were opened today. The project is part of the Federal Council's November 2025 support package for the Middle East.
The Swiss Marcel Benoist and Latsis Science Prizes have been awarded to a biochemist and a mathematician
Biochemist Martin Jinek has been awarded the prestigious Marcel Benoist Swiss Science Prize for his groundbreaking insights into cellular processes that paved the way for the breakthrough in genome editing. The Latsis Swiss Science Prize goes to mathematician Susanna Zimmermann for her pioneering research on the symmetries of geometric spaces, which enabled her to resolve a question in algebraic geometry that had remained open since the 19th century.
A gentle cradle : Protecting satellites from vibrations
A rocket launch is not for the faint of heart – and certainly not for sensitive electronics either. Nevertheless, satellites must survive the vibrations during launch unscathed. In collaboration with the Swiss space company Beyond Gravity, Empa researchers have developed a solution to mitigate these dangerous vibrations.
New publication: Hydrological Yearbook of Switzerland 2025 (Summary)
Discharge, water level and water quality of Swiss waterbodies
Giardino dei Giusti in Locarno: ‘A garden that needs looking after’ (it)
Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the inauguration of the Giardino dei Giusti in Locarno. Check against delivery.
Ukraine: Switzerland adopts further EU sanctions against Belarus
On 18 September, the Federal Council decided to impose further sanctions on Belarus, aligning itself with the measures the European Union (EU) adopted against Belarus on 23 April. The changes will come into effect on 19 September.
OSCE Ministerial Council in Lugano: Armed Forces support and restriction on the use of airspace
At its meeting on 18 September 2026, the Federal Council approved the deployment of the Armed Forces in a supporting role to assist the civilian authorities with security arrangements during the meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council, which is to be held in Lugano on 3 and 4 December 2026. This deployment, which is subsidiary in nature, complements the security measures put in place by the civilian authorities.
Comprehensive approach to security: Federal Council adopts the 2026 Security Policy Strategy
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, hybrid threats and critical dependencies pose challenges for the state, the economy and society. With the 2026 Security Policy Strategy, the Federal Council is positioning Switzerland to navigate this environment. The strategic priorities for the coming years are to strengthen resilience, improve capabilities for resistance and protection, and strengthen defence capabilities. On 18 September, the Federal Council took note of the results of the consultation process and approved the Security Policy Strategy. Work has already begun on implementing its 10 objectives and 46 measures.
Launch of the Max Planck-Korea-PSI Center for Quantum Emergent Spintronics (KOMQUEST)
An international research partnership uniting leading institutions from Germany, Korea and Switzerland to advance the frontiers of quantum spintronics
State Secretary Martina Hirayama to travel to China on science mission and attend WorldSkills Competition
From 21 to 28 September, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, will lead a science mission to China. The programme includes ministerial-level meetings and visits to science and technology institutions in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai. At the end of the mission, she will attend the awards ceremony of the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai.
Economic forecast: 2026 growth stronger than previously expected
The Federal Government Expert Group on Business Cycles is raising its forecast for economic growth in Switzerland. For 2026, it now expects growth of 1.7% (June forecast: 0.9%), while the forecast for 2027 remains unchanged at 1.6% [1]. Swiss GDP has recently grown strongly. However, the Iran conflict, high energy prices and continuing uncertainty over trade policy pose significant risks to the economic outlook.