Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport DDPS
A soldier in a tank observes the surroundings with night vision goggles.
The DDPS is responsible for Switzerland’s security policy – that policy is implemented through the Armed Forces, the State Secretariat for Security Policy, the Federal Office for Civil Protection, the Federal Intelligence Service, armasuisse and the National Cyber Security Centre. The role of the DDPS also involves promoting sport through the Federal Office for Sport and producing geoinformation through swisstopo.
Martin Pfister
Head of the DDPS.
Member of the Federal Council since 2025.
We have to understand that we are living in a period of upheaval. And this is reflected in our security policy.
Priorities of the DDPS in 2026
The security situation in Europe has steadily deteriorated since Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Power politics is shaping international relations. International law is increasingly being disregarded. In addition, conflict is taking on hybrid forms, even against modern states such as Switzerland: disinformation, cyberattacks and acts of sabotage are on the rise. The DDPS analyses the situation and develops measures to protect and defend the country.
These different threats come from outside and inside Switzerland. They can originate from state actors, terrorist groups or radicalised individuals. The response to this is more comprehensive security. This involves the political, economic and scientific actors, society and the government at federal, cantonal and communal levels. This comprehensive cooperation is intended to make Switzerland resilient, capable of defending itself and repelling attacks.
The DDPS is committed to strengthening resilience, i.e. increasing early detection and crisis awareness among the population. Our civil and military protection and defence capabilities must be strengthened in order to counter current and future threats.
The aim of Swiss security policy is to ensure a free, independent and secure Switzerland and to promote a peaceful and just international order. Promoting sport and generating geoinformation also contribute significantly to Switzerland’s security: Sport strengthens health, resilience and operational capability, while swisstopo’s precise geographical data provides an important basis for planning, disaster preparedness and military and civil security.
Expenses 2024 (CHF)
6.45bn
Staff (FTEs) 2024
12,279
Organisation chart DDPS
