F-35 fiasco: Martin Pfister's tour of humility in the National Council: The National Council's question period focuses on the procurement of the fighter ...
nzz.ch/schweiz/martin-pfister-ist-das-freundliche-gesicht-des-f-35-fiaskos-er-befindet-sich-auf-einer-tour-der-demut-ld.10024721

Army financing on a crash course: The right-wing majority in parliament is failing to secure the funds for rearmament. This is an opportunity for the center-left ...
republik.ch/2026/09/21/armeefinanzierung-auf-crashkurs
National Council approves F-35 supplementary credit of 394 million: The lower house approves all credit requests in the army budget proposal totaling 3 ...
tagesanzeiger.ch/f-35-beschaffung-nationalrat-haelt-trotz-fixpreis-fiasko-fest-983125124127

Key FactsSwiss lower house approves 394-million F-35 credit
Sep 15, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: tagesanzeiger.ch
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: tagesanzeiger.ch
- The lower house approved the unchanged army package as the second chamber, involving commitment credits of about 3.4 billion Swiss francs.
- By 104 votes to 91, with one abstention, it rejected an additional 500 million francs for anti-aircraft ammunition.
- A majority retained the F-35 supplementary credit although parliamentary oversight had found that the publicized fixed price never existed.
- During the winter session, the Federal Council will seek about one billion francs more, citing improved federal budget prospects.
I sometimes miss that.— Defence Minister Martin Pfister, in the debate on the GPK-N report, urged members to discuss it calmly.
Mengele files: Intelligence service must lift redactions: The intelligence service is making a poor impression in its handling of the Mengele files ...
tagesanzeiger.ch/mengele-akten-geheimdienst-muss-schwaerzungen-aufheben-408237642439

Paid articlePaywallArms fund: Council of States wants lower VAT increase: The special fund for arms procurement is to be financed through a VAT increase. Now the commission is ...
nzz.ch/schweiz/armee-gelder-ueber-die-mehrwertsteuer-die-sicherheitspolitische-kommission-des-staenderats-will-den-fonds-von-der-mehrwertsteuer-trennen-ld.10023235

World War III: Closer than ever since 1945. Army pay: More civil servants for Federal Councillor Pfister. Whining leftists call for internet censorship ...
weltwoche.ch/daily/dritter-weltkrieg-so-nah-wie-nie-seit-1945-armeegeld-mehr-beamte-fuer-bundesrat-pfister-jammer-linke-rufen-nach-netzzensur-schweiz-freundschaftliche-beziehungen-zu-allen-laendern/

Second air defense system: Financing unclear despite planned VAT increase: Federal Councillor Martin Pfister wants to procure a second air defense system in ...
nzz.ch/schweiz/sicherheitspolitik/zweites-luftabwehrsystem-auch-mit-mehrwertsteuererhoehung-kaum-finanzierbar-warnt-das-finanzdepartement-ld.10021930

Drought drama in Burladingen: Fish suffocate and thieves steal water from the Fehla at night
swp.de/lokales/hechingen/duerre-drama-in-burladingen-fische-ersticken-und-diebe-stehlen-nachts-wasser-aus-der-fehla-79375753.html

Martin Pfister at the August 1st celebration in Rorschach: Federal Councillor Martin Pfister called for keeping the bigger picture in mind in Rorschach ...
tagblatt.ch/ostschweiz/stgallen/martin-pfister-an-1-august-feier-in-rorschach-ld.4206302

Paid articlePaywallSwiss ministers praise football team for World Cup journey: Guy Parmelin and Martin Pfister congratulated the team on Saturday morning after its quarter-final ...
swissinfo.ch/eng/various/swiss-ministers-praise-football-team-after-quarter-final-loss/91733491

VBS: Pälvi Pulli leaves the State Secretariat for Security Policy: Pälvi Pulli was responsible for security policy at the Federal Department of Defence (VBS) for ...
nzz.ch/schweiz/wechsel-im-vbs-paelvi-pulli-verlaesst-das-staatssekretariat-fuer-sicherheitspolitik-ld.10015004

Air defense: Federal Council halted Pfister's 5 billion plan: The defense minister wanted to quickly equip Switzerland with a second air defense system ...
tagesanzeiger.ch/luftabwehr-bundesrat-stoppte-pfisters-5-milliarden-plan-827155199782

Neutral Switzerland moves to buy drone-defense systems from Rheinmetall: Two European defense ministers who normally answer only to the citizens of neutral ...
defence-blog.com/neutral-switzerland-moves-to-buy-drone-defense-systems-from-rheinmetall/

Armaments: Switzerland cooperates with Austria on procurement: The Bundesrat wants to cooperate with Vienna – | more cheaply, more efficiently ...
tagesanzeiger.ch/ruestung-schweiz-kooperiert-mit-oesterreich-bei-beschaffung-928185871549

Federal Councillor Martin Pfister diverts VAT for the army - is this for real?: Federal Councillor Martin Pfister plans to increase the value-added tax on ...
weltwoche.ch/daily/bundesrat-martin-pfister-zwackt-mehrwertsteuer-fuer-armee-ab-gehts-noch/

Paid articlePaywallNeutrality lesson for Defense Minister Pfister: Why more NATO and more EU doesn't mean more security, but more war
weltwoche.ch/daily/neutralitaets-nachhilfe-fuer-verteidigungsminister-pfister-warum-mehr-nato-und-mehr-eu-nicht-mehr-sicherheit-sondern-mehr-krieg-bedeutet/

Paid articlePaywallSwiss defence minister calls for national unity: During a ceremony commemorating the Battle of Sempach, Defence Minister Martin Pfister strongly advocated the ...
swissinfo.ch/eng/various/martin-pfister-calls-for-national-unity-in-sempach/91665708

The Federal Council is governing in rare harmony. This is not always a good thing.
nzz.ch/schweiz/der-bundesrat-hat-es-gerade-gut-doch-ist-das-auch-gut-fuer-unser-land-ld.10012991

2038 Winter Olympics: Federal Council wants to pay 200 million francs: Despite financial worries, Sports Minister Martin Pfister can announce that the Federal ...
nzz.ch/schweiz/olympische-winterspiele-2038-in-der-schweiz-bundesrat-will-200-millionen-franken-bezahlen-verspricht-aber-es-gebe-keine-defizitgarantie-ld.10012346

Live ticker: More tax revenue: What this means for army financing.: The value-added tax is to be increased for national defense, but less than planned: This is ...
nzz.ch/schweiz/der-bund-hat-wieder-mehr-geld-was-das-fuer-die-steuererhoehung-fuer-die-armee-bedeutet-die-pressekonferenz-mit-dem-bundesrat-jetzt-live-ld.10012726

Polycom replacement: Switzerland invests 1.1 billion francs: Replacing the Polycom radio system will be one of Switzerland's most expensive security projects ...
bazonline.ch/polycom-ersatz-schweiz-investiert-1-1-milliarden-franken-361482640775

Paid articlePaywallThe "heavy metal" fans at the Federal Department of Defence (VBS) won't be happy: Martin Pfister wants to invest the majority of the money in air defense ... Show more
More money for drones, but fewer high-ranking officers: What is to change in the army
More money for drones, but fewer high-ranking officers: What is to change in the army
Rickenbach welcomes Federal Councillor Martin Pfister: The Federal Councillor spoke in the multi-purpose hall about security and freedom in Switzerland ...
oltnertagblatt.ch/solothurn/olten/rickenbach-empfaengt-bundesrat-martin-pfister-ld.4186961

Paid articlePaywallNational Council wants significantly more soldiers in Kosovo: Only the Swiss People's Party (SVP) called for the withdrawal of Swiss troops from the Balkans ...
nzz.ch/schweiz/sicherheitspolitik/nationalrat-will-friedenstruppen-im-kosovo-massiv-aufstocken-hinter-den-kulissen-lobbyiert-serbien-fuer-seine-interessen-ld.10010857

"Swiss identity is being overstated": Federal Councillor Pfister defends population growth and the bilateral approach
weltwoche.ch/daily/die-schweizerische-identitaet-wird-ueberhoeht-bundesrat-pfister-verteidigt-bevoelkerungswachstum-und-bilateralen-weg/

Army financing: SVP and Left Party thwart Pfister: Federal Councillor Pfister wanted to raise the value-added tax (VAT) at breakneck speed to quickly buy more ...
tagesanzeiger.ch/armeefinanzierung-svp-und-linke-bremsem-pfister-aus-494111169898

Paid articlePaywallNational Council wants a new "security levy" for foreigners to cover the army's financial needs
weltwoche.ch/daily/nationalrat-will-neue-sicherheitsabgabe-fuer-auslaender-um-finanzbedarf-der-armee-zu-decken/

Yes to the 10 Million Switzerland Initiative: VBS Chief Martin Pfister wants to force a change of opinion among voters with another scare scenario
weltwoche.ch/daily/ja-zur-10-millionen-schweiz-initiative-vbs-chef-martin-pfister-will-mit-weiterem-schreckensszenario-einen-meinungsumschwung-bei-der-stimmbevoelkerung-erzwingen/

Paid articlePaywallPfister instead of Ritter, Amherd instead of Z'graggen: These examples show what is really at stake in Federal Council elections.
weltwoche.ch/daily/pfister-statt-ritter-amherd-statt-zgraggen-diese-beispiele-zeigen-was-wirklich-bei-bundesratswahlen-auf-dem-spiel-steht/

Paid articlePaywallDefense Minister Martin Pfister spoke at Bierhübeli about his not entirely voluntary military career, the 10-million-franc initiative ... Show more
Interview with Federal Councillor Martin Pfister: "The high level of support for the 10 million Switzerland initiative is a wake-up call for the Federal Council"
Interview with Federal Councillor Martin Pfister: "The high level of support for the 10 million Switzerland initiative is a wake-up call for the Federal Council"
Interview with Federal Councillor Martin Pfister: "The high level of support for the 10 million Switzerland initiative is a wake-up call for the Federal ...
derbund.ch/martin-pfister-ueber-die-armee-und-die-10-millionen-schweiz-653274179301

Swiss Army: A third of the population wants more money: New figures on the sense of security among the Swiss show: A majority wants closer ties to NATO ...
tagesanzeiger.ch/armee-ein-drittel-der-schweizer-will-mehr-geld-738765982591

Paid articlePaywall“We – | that is Europe”: Defense Minister Martin Pfister campaigns against the 10-million-franc Switzerland initiative – | and equates Switzerland with the EU
weltwoche.ch/daily/wir-das-ist-europa-verteidigungsminister-martin-pfister-wirbt-gegen-10-millionen-schweiz-initiative-und-setzt-die-schweiz-mit-der-eu-gleich/

Paid articlePaywallBasel: Federal Councillor Pfister warns against SVP initiatives at the Chamber of Commerce
bazonline.ch/basel-bundesrat-pfister-warnt-bei-hkbb-vor-svp-initiativen-666382523887

Basel Chamber of Commerce: Federal Councillor Pfister warns: Around 900 guests from business and politics are meeting at the general assembly of the Basel ...
bzbasel.ch/basel/basel-stadt/handelskammer-beider-basel-bundesrat-pfister-warnt-ld.4167845

FC Luzern vs. Servette: Martin Pfister visits: Prominent visitor at the Allmend: Sports Minister Martin Pfister watches the 3-3 draw between FC Luzern and ...
luzernerzeitung.ch/sport/fcluzern/fc-luzern-gegen-servette-martin-pfister-zu-besuch-ld.4166358

Paid articlePaywallFederal Councilor Albert Rösti needs surgery – here’s why: Back surgery for Federal Councillor Albert Rösti (SVP): The Transport Minister will have surgery next ...
bluewin.ch/de/news/schweiz/bundesrat-albert-roesti-sagt-termine-ab-wegen-op-an-lendenwirbelsaeule-3201315.html

The Bund in Conversation at Bierhübeli Bern with Federal Councillor Martin Pfister
derbund.ch/der-bund-im-gespraech-im-bierhuebeli-bern-mit-bundesrat-martin-pfister-871615005885

Pfeffingen Forum 2026 has to be postponed: Due to a scheduling conflict, the Pfeffingen Forum has to be postponed to 2027. However, it is now clear what Federal ...
bzbasel.ch/basel/basel-stadt/pfeffinger-forum-2026-muss-verschoben-werden-ld.4165240

What Martin Pfister's friends say about his first year: Martin Pfister has been a Federal Councilor for a year. His colleagues have plenty of praise for his ...
zentralplus.ch/gesellschaft/das-sagen-martin-pfisters-gschpaendli-ueber-sein-erstes-jahr-2864336/

Martin Pfister: «Vielleicht habe ich die schwierigste Aufgabe im Bundesrat»: Der Verteidigungsminister ist Gast in Roger de Wecks Podcast-Reihe «Im Gespräch».
republik.ch/2026/04/03/roger-de-weck-im-gespraech-mit-bundesrat-martin-pfister

The Bund in Conversation at Bierhübeli Bern with Federal Councillor Martin Pfister
derbund.ch/der-bund-im-gespraech-im-bierhuebeli-bern-mit-bundesrat-martin-pfister-871615005885

Patriot system can be scrapped, warns Swiss defence minister: Switzerland threatens to abandon purchase of USt Patriot air defence system.
swissinfo.ch/eng/foreign-affairs/the-patriot-system-can-be-abandoned-says-martin-pfister/91196000

Swiss Federal Councilor Pfister discusses rearmament and defense: The federal government needs 31 billion for rearmament. Why Martin Pfister believes the public ...
bilanz.ch/unternehmen/schweizer-bundesrat-pfister-spricht-ueber-aufruestung-und-verteidigung/6lm1xj9

Paid articlePaywallThe Russians are already trembling: SP National Councillor Tamara Funiciello stands on NATO's eastern flank
weltwoche.ch/daily/der-russe-zittert-schon-sp-nationalraetin-tamara-funiciello-steht-an-der-nato-ostflanke/

Die Sicherheitslage in Nordeuropa hat sich seit dem Überfall von Russland auf die Ukraine massiv verschlechtert. Besonders angespannt ist die Lage in Finnland ... Show more

Bloated Federal Department of Defence: Is it finally going to be taken down? The Swiss People's Party (SVP) demands savings of five billion francs.
weltwoche.ch/daily/wasserkopf-vbs-geht-es-ihm-jetzt-an-den-kragen-die-svp-fordert-einsparungen-von-fuenf-milliarden-franken/

Pfister: Hat für die Schweiz bereits ein Krieg begonnen?: Wie sicher ist die Schweiz in der aktuellen Weltlage noch? Im Basler Helvetia-Campus warnt VBS-Chef ...
bazonline.ch/pfister-hat-fuer-die-schweiz-bereits-ein-krieg-begonnen-793260877066

Paid articlePaywallArmy Chief Roos: Fully committed to the EU and NATO, no concept of neutrality. State-funded NZZ: 341,250 francs in subscription subsidies from the federal ...
weltwoche.ch/daily/armeechef-roos-voll-auf-eu-und-nato-kurs-keine-ahnung-von-neutralitaet-staatlich-gefoerderte-nzz-341-250-franken-abo-subventionen-vom-bund-wehrminister-pfister-streckt-nato-fuehler-nach-polen-au/

"There is a risk of terrorist attacks in Switzerland": Defence Minister Martin Pfister warns of the consequences of the Iran conflict and criticizes the USA and ...
bluewin.ch/de/news/schweiz/bundesrat-martin-pfister-verurteilt-kriegsfuehrende-laender-3131114.html

Key FactsSwitzerland Faces New Security Threats from Iran Conflict
Mar 8, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bluewin.ch
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bluewin.ch
- Martin Pfister accused the USA, Israel, and Iran of violating international law amid the current conflict.
- He highlighted the risk of Europe and Switzerland experiencing terrorist attacks and migration flows.
- Security measures must be broadened to include police and intelligence agencies, beyond just the military.
- Pfister stressed the urgent need to rethink defense strategies and develop systems against long-range attacks.
There is a danger that Switzerland could face terrorist attacks. Moreover, the war could trigger a wave of refugees that could reach us.— Defense Minister Martin Pfister, in an interview with the SonntagsZeitung
Martin Pfister wants 3.4 billion for air defense: The Defense Minister presents a long list of armaments he intends to procure next year ...
tagesanzeiger.ch/martin-pfister-will-3-4-milliarden-fuer-die-luftverteidigung-980459237489

Paid articlePaywallFederal Council plans with fewer fighter jets and examines alternative to Patriots
tagesanzeiger.ch/medienkonferenz-im-liveticker-bundesrat-plant-mit-weniger-kampfjets-und-prueft-alternative-zu-patriots-337033208562

Swiss self-abandonment: The Federal Council on the path of pseudo-virtue - | straight to ruin with the new security policy strategy
weltwoche.ch/daily/schweizer-selbstaufgabe-der-bundesrat-auf-dem-pfad-der-scheintugend-direkt-ins-verderben-mit-der-neuen-sicherheitspolitischen-strategie/

Planned Swiss VAT increase seen as ‘manageable sacrifice’: In the view of Defence Minister Martin Pfister, the planned increase in VAT in favour of the army is a ...
swissinfo.ch/eng/various/pfister-considers-planned-vat-increase-manageable/90981701

Federal Councillor Pfister pushes for tax increase for the army: The defense minister dreams of an army so attractive "that even individualists will want to ...
nzz.ch/schweiz/bundesrat-martin-pfister-weiss-um-die-probleme-im-vbs-und-sagt-wir-duerfen-die-menschen-nicht-anluegen-ld.1923843

Sparen beim Staatsfunk: Lächerliche Untergangsrhetorik. Nicht KI, die Regierungen sind eine Gefahr für die Demokratie. Martin Pfister, netter ...
weltwoche.ch/daily/sparen-beim-staatsfunk-laecherliche-untergangsrhetorik-nicht-ki-die-regierungen-sind-eine-gefahr-fuer-die-demokratie-martin-pfister-netter-aber-schwacher-bundesrat-neutralitaet-teheran-liegt-n/

According to a poll, around three-quarters reject Defense Minister Martin Pfister's plan – | likely with their own wallets in mind. 👉 Read more: More money for the army? VAT increase likely to face significant challenges
More civil servants instead of more weapons: Defense Minister Martin Pfister wants to create 500 additional positions
weltwoche.ch/daily/mehr-beamte-statt-mehr-waffen-verteidigungsminister-martin-pfister-will-500-zusaetzliche-stellen-schaffen/

👉 #Weltwoche Daily now also on #Spotify ! Mercy for Jacques Baud: Swiss citizen allowed to use bank account again. Federal Councillor Pfister: Bureaucrats instead of ... Show more
Mercy for Jacques Baud: Swiss citizen allowed to use bank account again - | Weltwoche Daily CH
Mercy for Jacques Baud: Swiss citizen allowed to use bank account again - | Weltwoche Daily CH
Mercy for Jacques Baud: Swiss citizen allowed to use bank account again. Federal Councillor Pfister: Bureaucrats instead of weapons and soldiers ...
weltwoche.ch/daily/gnade-fuer-jacques-baud-schweizer-darf-bankkonto-wieder-benutzen-bundesrat-pfister-buerokraten-statt-waffen-und-soldaten-antisemitischer-kosovare-karikatur-der-migrationskrise-prominente-linke-g/

Martin Pfister presents his plan for army financing: To ensure the Swiss army is prepared for future threats, Martin Pfister wants to increase its military ...
tagesanzeiger.ch/medienkonferenz-im-liveticker-pfister-stellt-plan-fuer-die-armeefinanzierung-vor-348913928239

Defense Minister Martin Pfister wants to finance the rearmament through an increase in VAT. His plan is not being met with much enthusiasm ... Show more
Pfister's VAT increase threatens to become a pipe dream. Does he have a plan B?
Pfister's VAT increase threatens to become a pipe dream. Does he have a plan B?
Army: Federal Council wants to significantly increase VAT: Yes, the army needs more money. But it's not acceptable to cover the additional expenses entirely ...
tagesanzeiger.ch/armee-bundesrat-will-mehrwertsteuer-stark-erhoehen-329719989494

Paid articlePaywall👉 #Weltwoche Daily now also on #Spotify ! German ambassador lectures Switzerland. Federal Councillor Pfister: Higher taxes for the military ... Show more
German Ambassador Admonishes Switzerland - | Weltwoche Daily CH
German Ambassador Admonishes Switzerland - | Weltwoche Daily CH
Federal Councillor Pfister demands VAT increase for the army: For the new Defense Minister Martin Pfister, everything is at stake next Wednesday: The Federal ...
nzz.ch/schweiz/bundesrat-pfister-will-mehrwertsteuer-erhoehen-ld.1921376

How can Switzerland find its place in the new world order? Search for answers at Wifo
wundo.ch/artikel/wie-kann-sich-die-schweiz-in-neuer-weltordnung-zurechtfinden-suche-nach-antworten-am-wifo/

Switzerland’s security and the role of the media: Strong, independent media and a high media literacy are key to strengthening resilience to disinformation ...
swissinfo.ch/eng/information-wars/switzerlands-security-and-the-role-of-the-media/90782016

WEF 2026 in Davos: the latest developments: This week, government representatives, CEOs, and delegates from international organizations are meeting in Davos ...
nzz.ch/wirtschaft/wef-2026-in-davos-spaniens-premier-sanchez-sagt-teilnahme-nach-zugunglueck-ab-wef-laedt-iran-aus-ld.1920771

Carnival: Fritschivater (carnival figure) pick-up and Gallivater enthroned: At the Bärteliessen of the Safran Guild with Stefan Hug are: Martin Pfister ...
luzernerzeitung.ch/zentralschweiz/stadt-region-luzern/fasnacht-fritschivater-abholung-und-gallivater-inthronisiert-ld.4101328

Paid articlePaywallFederal Councillor Pfister to the WIFO audience: "Cyber threat to SMEs is often underestimated"
wundo.ch/artikel/bundesrat-pfister-zum-wifo-publikum-cybergefahr-fuer-kmu-wird-oft-unterschaetzt/

Paid articlePaywallSwiss defence minister highlights media’s role in combating disinformation: False information is spreading rapidly. For Defence Minister Martin Pfister ...
swissinfo.ch/eng/best-of-srg-content/defence-minister-highlights-medias-role-in-combating-disinformation/90748027

Central Switzerland: 2025 Year in Review in Pictures: What will be remembered? Our photo archive offers possible answers.
luzernerzeitung.ch/zentralschweiz/kanton-luzern/zentralschweiz-jahresrueckblick-2025-in-bildern-ld.4095239

Paid articlePaywallBundesrat im Interview - Pfister fordert eine «geistige Landesverteidigung» 2.0: Auf einer Kriegsgefahr-Skala von 1 bis 10 sei die Schweiz bei 7 ...
srf.ch/news/schweiz/bundesrat-im-interview-pfister-fordert-eine-geistige-landesverteidigung-2-0

Switzerland reduces F-35 purchase: Only 30 instead of 36 jets planned: Defense Minister Martin Pfister wanted to ensure, with an additional loan ...
nzz.ch/schweiz/vbs-chef-pfister-laeuft-im-bundesrat-auf-die-schweiz-kauft-vorerst-weniger-f-35-kampfjets-als-geplant-ld.1916279

Martin Pfister wants to buy fewer F-35 fighter jets – at least for now.: Defense Minister Pfister wants to reduce the purchase of 36 F-35 fighter jets to 30 in ...
bluewin.ch/de/news/schweiz/martin-pfister-will-weniger-f-35-kampfjets-kaufen-zumindest-vorerst-2975779.html

Key FactsPfister Proposes Initial Reduction in F-35 Jet Purchase
Nov 23, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bluewin.ch
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bluewin.ch
- Defense Minister Martin Pfister intends to reduce the F-35 jet order from 36 to 30 aircraft.
- This measure aims to comply with the six billion franc spending cap approved by voters.
- A full cancellation of the remaining jets is not planned, leaving room for future acquisitions.
- The approach follows findings from a task force formed after the US demanded additional costs between 750 million and 1.3 billion francs.
I want to stay within the cost ceiling of six billion francs.— Defense Minister Martin Pfister regarding the reduction of F-35 purchases.
Federal Councillor Martin Pfister: F-35 purchase only within budget: Defense Minister Martin Pfister's rearmament plans are met with resistance in the ...
tagesanzeiger.ch/bundesrat-martin-pfister-f-35-kauf-nur-im-budgetrahmen-235204492803

Paid articlePaywallNo supplementary credit for F-35 fighter jets: EU supporters abandon VBS chief Martin Pfister
weltwoche.ch/daily/kein-nachtragskredit-fuer-f-35-kampfjets-eu-turbos-lassen-vbs-chef-martin-pfister-im-stich/

