Federal Councillor Martin Pfister visits Florennes Air Base in Belgium
Berna, 01.12.2025 — Federal Councillor Martin Pfister, Head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, will visit Florennes Air Base in Belgium on 1 December. He will be accompanied by 12 members of the National CounciI and the Council of States. The purpose of the visit is to learn about the operational experience of the Belgian Air Force with the F-35A fighter jet. Mr Pfister will also attend the Swiss Defence Industry Day in Brussels with the aim of promoting Switzerland as an attractive location for the defence industry and raising the international profile of its technological expertise. While in Brussels, Mr Pfister will also meet NATO's secretary general, Mark Rutte.
Federal Councillor Martin Pfister, Head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports (DDPS), will visit the Belgian military airbase in Florennes, accompanied by a dozen members of the National Council and the Council of States. During the visit, the Swiss delegation will familiarise itself with the organisation and capabilities of the Belgian Air Force. The delegation is particularly interested in Belgium's operational experience with the F-35A fighter jet. This practical exchange will contribute to the current debate on the acquisition of fighter aircraft and the future development of the Swiss Air Force. It will also help to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Belgium in the field of defence technology. The air forces of both countries already maintain close ties.
Swiss Defence Industry Day
The Swiss Defence Industry Day is another highlight of the programme in Belgium. The event aims to promote Switzerland as an attractive location for the defence industry and to raise the international profile of its technological expertise. It is crucial that the Swiss private sector has every opportunity to export its goods and services. This is in line with one of the Federal Council's defence strategy priorities. The Swiss Defence Industry Day is jointly organised jointly by the Federal Office for Defence Procurement (armasuisse) and the professional association Swiss Aeronautics, Security and Defence (SWISS ASD).
Meeting with NATO Secretary General
While in Brussels, Mr Pfister will meet with NATO's secretary general, Mark Rutte, for the first time. They will discuss the importance of Swiss defence industry companies being able to contribute their expertise to international supply chains. The discussions will also focus on current security and defence policy and on strengthening cooperation between Switzerland and NATO.
Update to the cooperation agreement with the EDA
On 29 October, the Federal Council approved the revised cooperation agreement between Switzerland and the European Defence Agency (EDA). During his visit to Brussels, Mr Pfister and EDA Chief Executive, André Denk, will sign the agreement. This non-legally binding agreement defines the framework for cooperation between Switzerland and the EDA, enabling cooperation while respecting Switzerland's neutrality.
The revised agreement amends the 2012 basic agreement. In light of developments in European security policy, the Federal Council has decided to give the agreement a more strategic focus on Switzerland's defence capabilities. The revised agreement enables Switzerland to participate in a wide range of activities and project relating to research and technological development. It also facilitates the early identification of developments in European defence policy and promotes the exchange of research results. Furthermore, it gives Switzerland access to various training courses and exercises carried out within this framework.