Swiss Government To Involve Energy Suppliers In Drone Defence

(MENAFN- Swissinfo) The Swiss government is planning to introduce new legal obligations for operators of critical energy infrastructure to protect against sabotage and drone attacks. As the armed forces cannot secure all sites, companies are to be allowed to implement their own defence measures in future. Select your language

Generated with artificial intelligence. Listening: Swiss government to involve energy suppliers in drone defence This content was published on November 10, 2026 - 09:16 3 minutes Keystone-SDA

Deutsch de Bund plant Einbezug von Energieversorgern bei Drohnenabwehr Original Read more: Bund plant Einbezug von Energieversorgern bei Drohnena

At present, there are no further legal provisions governing the physical protection of energy infrastructure, the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) explained on Monday in response to an enquiry from the Swiss News Agency Keystone-SDA. The SFOE is therefore currently drawing up a legal framework to oblige the sector to implement protective measures against physical and electromagnetic threats. The government classifies acts of sabotage, drones, rocket-propelled grenades and arson as the greatest risks to nuclear power stations and dams. Newspaper Blick was the first to report on this.

According to its own statements, the SFOE is proposing this to close gaps in the legal framework for the protection of critical infrastructure in the energy sector. However, this is not about granting companies additional powers. The monopoly on the use of force lies with the relevant state authorities.

Operators are permitted to reinforce buildings, install sensors and protective nets, or keep spare parts on hand. However, companies do not have the right to shoot down suspicious flying objects or detain suspects. If staff spot a drone, their only option at present is to call the police. By the time the police arrive on the scene, the drone has usually disappeared.

Parliamentarians have therefore called for the laws to be amended. In an emergency, electricity suppliers should be permitted to activate interception drones or jammers.

More More Foreign Affairs Swiss drone defence: 'We're flying partly blind'

This content was published on Oct 22, 2026 Drone sightings over critical infrastructure are also on the rise in Switzerland. Who is behind these drones, and how should Switzerland deal with the problem?

Read more: Swiss drone defence: 'We're flying partly b

MENAFN10112026000210011054ID1111940034