Switzerland to take part in European defence project for mobile energy supply
Bern, 08.09.2026 — Switzerland is enhancing its international cooperation in the defence area – armasuisse takes part in the research project “Fuel Cells for Soldier Systems II” (FUSS II) of the European Defence Agency (EDA). On 3 September 2026, all parties involved signed the project agreement. The project will develop portable fuel cells for use by members of the armed forces and other mobile applications. Switzerland is thus strengthening its European cooperation in research and technology.
The EDA is a platform for joint projects between European nations in matters of armament, research and technology, as well as education and training. Switzerland can take part in selected projects pursuant to an administrative agreement with the EDA. It can thus identify promising projects early on and become involved wherever security and armament policy benefits emerge.
With its participation in FUSS II, Switzerland is expanding its cooperation with European partner states. The project will develop portable fuel cells for use by members of the armed forces. These devices will be operated using commercially available fuels such as diesel or petrol and will supply energy for several days. Switzerland was already involved in the previous project FUSS I.
Switzerland will bring its expertise to the project, thus making a contribution to powerful, field-ready energy solutions. Apart from Switzerland, Italy is also taking part in the project.
The participation is in line with the Swiss Confederation’s armament policy strategy. This calls for a closer international cooperation with European partner states. It contributes to strengthening the research and technology location Switzerland, to expanding cooperation with European partners and to identifying developments in the defence area at an early stage.