Research Program Security: The DDPS and the ETH domain are strengthening research in the area of security and defence
Bern, 22.05.2026 — The Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse and the ETH domain are strengthening their strategic cooperation in security-relevant research. The aim of the programme “Research Program Security” launched in October 2025 is to develop innovative ideas and solutions for the current challenges in the area of security and defence. Eight projects from the first call will be launched from May 2026. armasuisse will provide two million Francs for this purpose.
The programme will bring together Switzerland’s security policy needs with the cutting-edge research of the ETH domain. The goal is to build up critical technological knowledge in Switzerland in the long term and to reduce dependencies on foreign countries. The programme implements one of the measures of the Federal Council’s armament policy strategy – establishing a cooperation with the ETH domain that addresses specific challenges of the Armed Forces and makes better use of synergies in research and innovation in the civilian, military and dual-use area.
The first call of the programme was launched in October 2025 together with the EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne.
Focus on key technologies for the security of Switzerland
The “Research Program Security” focuses on key technologies of great importance for the security of Switzerland. These include artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum technologies, autonomous systems, robotics, cybersecurity and energy supply. The first call focused on two topics:
- Global navigation satellite systems such as GPS are indispensable for navigation, positioning and time synchronisation. At the same time, signals are being disrupted more and more frequently. Solutions were sought which make existing systems more robust or enable technological alternatives without satellites.
- Mini drones are inexpensive, widely used and are becoming technologically ever more advanced. At the same time, the risks for critical infrastructures and security forces are increasing. Technologies were sought which are able to recognise, track and counteract drones more quickly.
Eight projects selected
24 project proposals were received for the first call of the “Research Program Security”. Eight of these have been selected and will start from May 2026. Four projects will be implemented for each of these topic areas.
Each of these projects will receive up to CHF 250,000 for a term of 12 to 18 months. armasuisse will finance the first call with a total of two million Francs. The projects will be reviewed by experts from academia and armasuisse. A joint steering committee from armasuisse and the institutions of the ETH domain decided on the selection. The next call is planned for autumn 2026.
Joint research for the security of Switzerland
The EPFL will support armasuisse in implementing the call. All institutions in the ETH domain can participate in the call:
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ)
- Paul-Scherrer Institute (PSI)
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL)
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (EAWAG)
Back in 2022, the DDPS and ETH Zurich created a joint advisory board for technology and innovation, to strengthen the strategic partnership for security-relevant research. Since 2024, the EPFL has also been part of this board. Current development is focusing on how the cooperation between the DDPS and the ETH domain should be further expanded.
Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse
The Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse is the procurement, technology and real estate centre of the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport DDPS. armasuisse is responsible for the development, evaluation, procurement and disposal of systems and materials used by the Swiss Armed Forces and other clients. In addition, it ensures the scientific and technical expertise for the Armed Forces and the DDPS and covers their requirements in the areas of science, technology and innovation.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne EPFL
The EPFL is one of the leading institutes of technology in Europe.
With around 12,000 students and doctoral candidates from more than 120 countries and more than 370 laboratories, the EPFL is conducting cutting-edge research in areas such as renewable energies, medical technology, neurotechnologies, materials sciences and information technologies.
The EPFL works together with an extensive partner network, encompassing, in particular, other universities and higher education institutions, secondary schools and baccalaureate schools, industry and business, political institutions and the general public. The goal is to bring about real changes in society.