Swiss Combat Drones Tested in Graubünden Mountains
- Over the past two weeks, the Swiss army has conducted tests of Swiss-made mini-drones and anti-drone defense systems in Graubünden, Switzerland.
- The increasing prevalence of drones in contemporary conflicts has prompted the Swiss army to proactively evaluate and integrate this technology into its defense strategy.
- The Task Force's mandate includes assessing the feasibility of developing and procuring Swiss-made drone technology, aiming to minimize reliance on foreign suppliers.
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Swiss Army Tests Mini-Drones and Defense Systems in Graubünden
Table of Contents
Updated as of December 19, 2025, 22:34:09 UTC
Overview
Over the past two weeks, the Swiss army has conducted tests of Swiss-made mini-drones and anti-drone defense systems in Graubünden, Switzerland. These trials, initiated in late November/early December 2025, are part of a larger strategic assessment of drone technology’s role in modern warfare and a desire to reduce reliance on foreign-sourced military equipment. the tests took place at the Hinterrhein shooting range, chosen for its challenging terrain and suitability for evaluating drone capabilities.
Strategic Context and the Drones Task Force
The increasing prevalence of drones in contemporary conflicts has prompted the Swiss army to proactively evaluate and integrate this technology into its defense strategy. As reuters reported in March 2023, drones have become a critical component of modern warfare, particularly as demonstrated in the conflict in Ukraine. To address this, the Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sports (DDPS) established the Drones Task Force within Armasuisse, the Federal Armaments Office, in the summer of 2024.
The Task Force’s mandate includes assessing the feasibility of developing and procuring Swiss-made drone technology, aiming to minimize reliance on foreign suppliers. This aligns with Switzerland’s broader policy of maintaining neutrality and strategic autonomy. According to a DDPS press release from July 12, 2024, the Task Force is specifically focused on identifying and evaluating potential solutions for both offensive and defensive drone capabilities.
Testing at Hinterrhein: A Challenging Habitat
The Hinterrhein shooting range,located at an altitude of over 1,600 meters (approximately 5,250 feet) in the Graubünden Alps,provided an ideal testing ground for the mini-drones and anti-drone systems. The range’s narrow valley walls facilitated complex flight maneuvers while mitigating the risk of uncontrolled drone loss. This environment allowed engineers to assess the drones’ performance in realistic, challenging conditions.
During the two-week testing period, various types of “kamikaze drones” – loitering munitions designed to detonate upon impact – were evaluated. Alongside these, anti-drone defense systems were tested to determine their effectiveness in countering such threats. The specific types of drones and defense systems tested have not been publicly disclosed, citing security concerns.
Zougois Mini-Drones: A Swiss Solution
the Drones Task Force prioritized Swiss-developed technology by commissioning the Zug-based company, ENS Dynam. ENS Dynam specializes in the development and production of unmanned aerial systems. The company’s involvement underscores the Task Force’s commitment to fostering a domestic drone industry and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. <