Introduction
Military relations between Israel and Switzerland have focused on defense technology and cyber security. Elbit Systems has been a key Israeli partner for the Swiss defense sector over the past decades, taking part in multiple projects, including the controversial procurement of the Hermes 900 drone. In 2023, Switzerland decided to acquire Spike missiles, further deepening defense ties. In addition, a number of Israeli cyber companies maintain a significant presence in Switzerland, supplying digital security and surveillance tools.
Economic Relations
Switzerland and Israel share a high volume of trade. Israel is Switzerland’s fourth-largest trading partner in the Middle East and North Africa. A free trade agreement was concluded between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Israel in 1993.[1]Swiss Government, Bilateral relations Switzerland–Israel, 29.07.2024 Switzerland’s cooperation with Israel gained momentum since Israel’s accession to EUREKA in 2000.[2]Innosuisse Swiss Innovation Agency, Bilateral projects, 01.05.2024 In 2023, the volume of trade between the two countries stood at $2.1 billion.[3]Swiss Government, Bilateral relations Switzerland–Israel, 29.07.2024
At the beginning of September 2017, the Swiss Minister of Finance visited Israel and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Israeli Minister of Finance and Ministry of Cooperation, mainly in Fintech between the two countries.[4]Israel’s Ministry of Economy and Industry, Israel’s economic delegation in Switzerland, 22.01.2018 Shortly after, in October 2017, a Swiss delegation composed of politicians at the cantonal and federal level, academics, and the directors of the Swiss Innovation Authority, media people and senior businessmen and headed by the Swiss Minister of Economy, had visited Israel.[5]Israel’s Ministry of Economy and Industry, Israel’s economic delegation in Switzerland, 22.01.2018
Another area of cooperation is research and R&D projects. Between 2010 to 2022 the Swiss National Science Foundation has supported 413 projects by Swiss researchers that involved direct cooperation with Israel.[6]SWI, Switzerland and Israel to boost scientific ties, 29.08.2022
In August 2022, the Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Bern. During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to intensify scientific research and innovation was signed between the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the Israel Science Foundation.[7]SWI, Switzerland and Israel to boost scientific ties, 29.08.2022 Shortly after, in February, 2023, an agreement of scientific cooperation was signed between the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities and the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences.[8]The Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, The Israeli Academy and the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences have signed an agreement for scientific cooperation, 19.2.2023
Military Relations
Switzerland and Israel maintain military relations that include arms transfers, industrial cooperation, and technological partnerships. Since the 1950s, Switzerland has exported weapons to Israel and in turn acquired Israeli technologies for its own armed forces. Joint projects have included the Ranger UAV, developed by RUAG and Israel Aerospace Industries, as well as the procurement of Israeli drones, missiles, and communications systems.[9]Badil, Swiss-Israeli Relations and the Swiss BDS Campaign, Summer 2008 As detailed below, in the last two decades Elbit Systems became a strategic supplier to the Swiss Army with Hermes 900 UAVs, tactical Software Defined Radios, and command-and-control systems, established a subsidiary in Switzerland and formed several joint ventures. In the cyber field, cooperation has taken place through conferences, joint military exercises, and the presence of Israeli companies such as NSO Group, Cellebrite, and Cyvers in the Swiss market.
The following section outlines key events in the security relations between Switzerland and Israel. Subsequent chapters provide a detailed account of joint ventures, the establishment of Elbit Systems in Switzerland, arms acquisitions, and the presence of Israeli cyber companies in the country.
Since 1988, the Swiss army has spent 600 million francs on cluster bomb research in Israel. Some of the cluster bombs unleashed by Israel on Lebanon in 2006 were the direct result of this cooperation.[10]Badil, Swiss-Israeli Relations and the Swiss BDS Campaign, Summer 2008 Switzerland purchased cluster bombs from Israel and reassembled them in Switzerland them in Switzerland under license to Israel.[11]SWI, Switzerland completes destruction of its cluster bomb stockpile, 19.02.2019 While Switzerland joined the Convention on Cluster Munitions, Israel did not join the convention and continued using these munitions in Gaza in 2008-2009,[12]Haaretz, Is Israel’s Forbidden Cluster Bombs Affair Making Another Round in Armenia and Azerbaijan, 22.10.2020 and during the current ongoing genocide.[13]12th Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, The State of Palestine, 10.09.2024
Following Israel’s 2002 re-invasion of the West Bank in ‘Operation Defensive Shield,’ the Swiss government temporarily suspended new arms purchases and military cooperation with Israel.[14]Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Bilateral relations between Switzerland and Israel, archived on 28.01.2007 However, shortly after the Swiss signed an agreement to cooperate on an electronic reconnaissance system: the ‘Intaff’ system to guide missiles or shells to their target.[15]Badil, Swiss-Israeli Relations and the Swiss BDS Campaign, Summer 2008[16]Elbit, Integrated Artillery Command and Fire Control System (INTAFF) In March 2005, Swiss President Schmid visited Israel and announced the resumption of arms purchases.[17]Israel’s Prime Ministry Office, PM Sharon Meets Swiss President Schmid, 16.03.2005 The year following that visit, two defense deals were signed with Israel: The purchase of a surveillance system for listening and transmitting, used mainly for electronic warfare and valued at $120 million, and equipment Super Puma helicopters, as part of a program to modernize cockpits, in a deal estimated at $3-8 million.[18]Badil, Swiss-Israeli Relations and the Swiss BDS Campaign, Summer 2008[19]Swissinfo, Israeli arms deal catches flak, 15.10.2006[20]Avio News, Israeli spare parts for the Swiss Puma helicopters, 18.10.2006[21]INSS, Military Balance Files – Israel, 20.09.2010
In October 2010, During a three-day visit to Israel, Swiss Defence Minister Ueli Maurer met Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak and visited military bases on the Israel-Lebanon border and in Tel Aviv. Minister Maurer told reporters that talks had focused on a wide range of political and military issues, notably armament, drones, missiles and aircraft.[22]SWI, Maurer ends controversial visit to Israel, 11.10.2010
In January 2013, Israel and Switzerland signed a security cooperation agreement around security policy, military industries and cooperation between the armies.[23]Ynet, Israel Switzerland sign security cooperation agreement, 25.01.2013[24]RTS, La Suisse et Israël veulent renforcer leur collaboration militaire, 25.01.2013
In 2015 Switzerland signed a deal with Elbit Systems to procure 6 Hermes-900 UAVs, known also as Starliner drones or ADS 15. The deal’s value was first estimated around $200 million,[25]i24 News, Switzerland to purchase six drones from Israel’s Elbit systems, 27.11.2015 but later reports give an estimation of $380 million.[26]Ynet, Switzerland mulls scrapping multimillion Elbit drone purchase over delays difficulties, 13.07.2025 The drones’ delivery was scheduled to 2019, but repeated delays and technical difficulties led Switzerland in 2025 to consider cancelling the contract.[27]Globes, Swiss mull cancelling $380m Elbit drone deal – report, 09.07.2025
In January 2017, Swiss representatives participated in a demonstration of Spike SR missiles by Rafael in the south of Israel.[28]Israel Defense, Rafael successfully conducted the first demonstration of the Spike SR tactical missile, 03.01.2017 In 2023 it was announced that Switzerland selected the Spike as its new anti-tank missile.[29]Army Recognition, Swiss Army selects Spike LR2 as new anti-tank guided missile, 12.04.2023
In March 2018, Switzerland’s National Armaments director, Martin Sonderegger, has visited Israel, met with the head of SIBAT (The International Defense Cooperation Directorate at the Israel Ministry of Defense) and visited Elbit and the IDF.[30]Israel Defense, A defense procurement delegation from Switzerland visits Israel, 22.03.2018
In January 2019, The Israeli drone-manufacturer Aeronautics was awarded a contract by the Swiss army to supply at least 2 Orbiter 2B mini UAVs.[31]Israel Defense, Aeronautics won a tender in Switzerland, 22.01.2019[32]Aargauer Zeitung, Schweizer Armee kauft Drohnen von umstrittener israelischer Firma, 12.01.2019
In July 2019, According to an article published in Israel Defense, Switzerland was in negotiations with Israel about acquiring David’s Sling missile defense system valued at $1.5 billion, but was blocked by the US.[33]Israel Defense, How the US Blocks a Mega-Deal for Rafael, 19.07.2019
In August 2023, IAI participated in the Connected Defense Exhibition in Switzerland.[34]IAI, CONNECTED 2023
In April 2024, the Swiss Army tested the SMASH fire control system, produced by the Israeli company SmartShooter, while this system was being used in the Israeli genocide on Gaza.[35]Israel Defense, Swiss Army Tests Smartshooter’s SMASH Fire Control System, 15.04.2024
Elbit Systems’ Activity in Switzerland
In the last two decades, Elbit Systems became the primary Israeli partner of the Swiss arms industry. Elbit has carried out at least five projects for the Swiss military, made possible by opening a subsidiary in Switzerland in September 2019[36]Calcalist, Israeli Defense Contractor Elbit Establishes Swiss Subsidiary, 09.09.2019 and collaborating with local companies (Details on this topic appear under the “joint ventures” section in this page). Elbit has maintained a presence in Switzerland since at least the early 2000s, with collaboration around an electronic reconnaissance system: the “INTAFF” system to guide missiles or shells to their target.[37]Badil, Swiss-Israeli Relations and the Swiss BDS Campaign, Summer 2008[38]Elbit, Integrated Artillery Command and Fire Control System (INTAFF)
A second project between Elbit and the Swiss army that began in the early 2000s is the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS). The system completed its first flights with the Swiss air force in 2006.[39]Defense Update, Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), 09.05.2006 Another contract for Night Vision Cueing and Display systems was signed in 2019.[40]Military Embedded Systems, Night-vision system for aviators’ helmets gets $22 million nod. 13.08.2019
In 2015 Switzerland signed a significant deal with Elbit Systems to procure 6 Hermes-900 UAVs, known also as Starliner drones or ADS 15. The deal was initially estimated at $200 million but later reported at $380 million. The deal was plagued by delays and controversy: he drones’ delivery was scheduled to 2019, but repeated delays and technical difficulties led Switzerland in 2025 to consider cancelling the contract.[41]i24 News, Switzerland to purchase six drones from Israel’s Elbit systems, 27.11.2015[42]Ynet, Switzerland mulls scrapping multimillion Elbit drone purchase over delays difficulties, 13.07.2025[43]Globes, Swiss mull cancelling $380m Elbit drone deal – report, 09.07.2025[44]SRF, Reconnaissance drones start again – with restrictions, 24.08.2025 As of September 2025, the Swiss defense ministry decided to press on with the procurement but certain use restrictions will be placed on the drones, after Elbit and RUAG failed to achieve some of the technical features they have committed to.[45]SWI, Switzerland to press on with Israeli drone procurement after some adjustments, 04.09.2025
In October 2019 Elbit won a deal to supply the Swiss army with an army-wide tactical Software Defined Radio (SDR) solution under the Telecommunications Armed Forces (TK A) program. The $338 million contract was signed in December 2020.[46]Globes, Elbit wins $300m Swiss army tactical software radio deal, 29.10.2019[47]Israel Defense, Elbit receives $338 mil contract to supply tactical radio solution to Swiss Armed Forces, 17.12.2020 In July 2025 it was reported that this contract also suffers from delay in delivery times and technical problems.[48]Globes, Elbit now upsets Swiss on TK A radios deal – report, 20.07.2025
In April 2020 Elbit was awarded a $15 million contract to supply Command and Control (C2) systems to the Swiss Armed Forces. The systems are to be installed in Mowag Eagle V 6×6 armored vehicles.[49]Israel Defense, Elbit to Provide Command & Control Systems for Swiss Recon Battalions, 16.04.2020
In June 2022 Elbit Systems Switzerland opened a Network and Digitization Center (NDC) in Uetendorf.[50]Elbit Systems Switzerland, Elbit Systems Switzerland opens a network and digitization center in Uetendorf BE, 20.06.2022
Joint Ventures
Swiss and Israeli defense industries have engaged in joint ventures for decades, collaborating on research and development and on selling arms. Early collaborations included munitions testing in Israel’s Negev desert, notably cluster bomb research, and regular cooperation between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Swiss companies such as RUAG and Contraves of Oerlikon.[51]Badil, Swiss-Israeli Relations and the Swiss BDS Campaign, Summer 2008[52]SWI, Switzerland completes destruction of its cluster bomb stockpile, 19.02.2019
The most significant project of this period was the Ranger UAV, developed by RUAG and IAI on the basis of IAI’s Scout drone, which entered Swiss service in 1999. The jointly developed drone was also sold to the Finnish Air Force.[53]Airforce Technology, Ranger Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), 12.12.2010[54]Military Factory, RUAG Ranger (ADS-90 / ADS-95)[55]The Center for the Study of the Drone at Bard College, The Drone Databook, 2019
IAI also partnered with Swiss small arms Sig Sauer to jointly develop a weaponized quadcopter designated Fire Storm 250.[56]Israel Defense, Report: Sig Sauer Joins IAI in Armed Quadcopter UAS Program, 10.02.2026
In later years, Elbit Systems became the primary Israeli partner of the Swiss arms industry. Its main Swiss partner is the state-owned RUAG. The two companies formed several joint ventures:
- In 2015 Elbit and RUAG, together with Poland’s Autocomp Management, has been awarded a contract to deliver Poland‘s Special Operations Forces with a live combat training system and equipment, including live-fire training suites for combat soldiers, vehicles, and simulation equipment, as well as grenades and suicide bomber kits to simulate engagements with terrorists.[57]Globes, Elbit Systems wins Polish combat training system deal, 9.11.2015[58]The Jerusalem Post, Elbit to provide Polish special forces with training equipment, 10.11.2015
- In November 2018 RUAG and Elbit formed a joint venture to cooperate together in the communication program of the Ministry of Defense of Switzerland.[59]Reuters, Israel’s Elbit, Switzerland’s RUAG form joint venture, 15.11.2018
- The two companies also collaborate in the Hermes-900/ADS-15 project.[60]SWI, Switzerland to press on with Israeli drone procurement after some adjustments, 04.09.2025
Other Swiss companies that collaborate with Elbit:
- The IT company ELCA – the companies announced a cooperation agreement in April 2021 in the areas of networks and communications.[61]Elbit Systems Switzerland, Elbit Systems and ELCA Join Forces on the Delivery of Network and Communication Solutions, 27.04.2021
- SWISSto12 – a long-term cooperation agreement on the development and production of advanced antennas was announced in July 2021.[62]Elbit Systems, SWISSto12 and Elbit Systems to cooperate on the development and production of advanced antennas, 21.07.2021
- RAMI SWISS opened a new production site in May 2023 for communication technologies in Courtételle, Jura canton. The facility produces communication technology components (mainly antennas) required for the “Telecommunications Modernization” program with the Swiss Army (TKA) on behalf of Elbit Systems Switzerland. The program is planned to have a minimum 10-year duration.[63]Elbit Systems Switzerland, New production site in the canton of Jura, 12.05.2023
Cyber
IAI has operated a cyber R&D center since at least 2016.[64]IAI, IAI Signs Cyber Deals in Asia Worth More Than $40 Million, 12.07.2016[65]IAI, IAI gains momentum in cyber arena: cyber-related contracts exceeded $100 million in 2016, 06.02.2017
In 2018 The Swiss and Israeli Innovation Authorities organized a conference in Switzerland on Cyber.[66]Israel Defense, The Swiss Innovation Authority is holding a conference for Israeli cyber companies, 27.05.2018
August 2020: The Swiss and Israeli armies, alongside Austrian and German forces were cooperating in joint cyber maneuvers[67]Matthias Monroy, New German military exercises with Israel, 10.01.2020[68]Press TV, Austrians protest government cooperation with Israel in cyber drills, 04.08.2020
Pegasus by NSO group – A report by the Citizen Lab identified Switzerland as a potential client of the spyware.[69]The Citizen Lab, HIDE AND SEEK Tracking NSO Group’s Pegasus Spyware to Operations in 45 Countries, 18.09.2018 In 2021, the Swiss radio and television reported that the Swiss criminal justice system and the Federal Intelligence Service are using the Israeli spy software. The Swiss Federal Office of Police declined to reveal any details regarding contracts with vendors of “GovWare” surveillance programs, citing the protection of public interests and national security. Swiss Federal Court’s ruling from January 2024 upheld the secrecy and barred access to information regarding the authorities use of spywares.[70]The Swiss Times, Swiss Spyware Secrets Hidden from Public, 18.01.2024[71]RTS, La Suisse utilise aussi un logiciel espion israélien du type Pegasus, 11.08.2021
Cyvers – A cyber company based in Switzerland. The company advertises itself as supplying “Israeli cyber-security solutions for enterprises in the DACH region and Scandinavia” and boasts about its founder’s service “in the 8200 Elite Technology Unit of the Israeli Intelligence”.[72]Cyverse, About
XM Cyber company, whose president is Tamir Pardo, former head of the Israeli Mossad, was attempting to enter the DACH market, including Switzerland, through cooperation with the company Icosvad [73]Israel Defense, Pardo aims to expand cyber business to France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland, 24.06.2021
Cellebrite: the company has a presence in Switzerland and is actively promoting its technology in the country.[74]Cellebrite, Cellebrite C2C Live for Investigators (Zurich, Switzerland), 12.06.2025[75]Built in, Regional Sales Manager Switzerland
Military and Cyber Acquisitions
Tear gas canisters by Ispra.[76]National Library of Israel : Archive, Koteret Rashit, 17.06.1987 Shooting and Crying, the story of the Israeli gas canister [77]Crowd Control Technologies : An Assessment Of Crowd Control Technology Options For The European Union
Ranger UAVs manufactured with IAI – Used by the Swiss Army since 1999.[78]Airforce Technology, Ranger Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), 12.12.2010[79]Military Factory, RUAG Ranger (ADS-90 / ADS-95)[80]The Center for the Study of the Drone at Bard College, The Drone Databook, 2019
Orbiter 2B mini UAVs by Israeli Aeronautics.[81]Israel Defense, Aeronautics won a tender in Switzerland, 22.01.2019[82]Aargauer Zeitung, Schweizer Armee kauft Drohnen von umstrittener israelischer Firma, 12.01.2019
Hermes 900 UAVs by Elbit – 6 drones were purchased in 2015, the first two were received by the Swiss Air Force in the beginning of 2023. The entire fleet will probably not be fully operational until 2029, instead of in 2019 as planned.[83]Globes, Glitches for Elbit’s Hermes 900 in India and Switzerland, 19.01.2025
INTAFF, an electronic reconnaissance system by Elbit.[84]Elbit, Integrated Artillery Command and Fire Control System (INTAFF)
Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) by Elbit.[85]Defense Update, Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), 09.05.2006[86]Military Embedded Systems, Night-vision system for aviators’ helmets gets $22 million nod. 13.08.2019 Maintenance services for these systems were also acquired through the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency.[87]Defence Blog, Pentagon spends $333 million to keep fighter pilots’ helmets combat ready, 25.07.2026
Tactical Software Defined Radio (SDR) system by Elbit.[88]Globes, Elbit wins $300m Swiss army tactical software radio deal, 29.10.2019
Command and Control (C2) systems by Elbit.[89]Israel Defense, Elbit to Provide Command & Control Systems for Swiss Recon Battalions, 16.04.2020
Spike LR2, developed by Rafael.[90]Army Recognition, Swiss Army selects Spike LR2 as new anti-tank guided missile, 12.04.2023
Roboteam -In the company’s press release from May 2019 Switzerland is mentioned as the company’s customer.[91]Calcalist, Roboteam to Supply Robots to New Zealand Defense Force, 27.05.2019 The Swiss flag is also shown in the company’s website, signaling the country as a customer.[92]Robo-team, About
M43 rifles by Silver Shadow.[93]Israel Defense, Silver Shadow initiated Manufacturing of the Gilboa Assault Rifles in the USA, 22.11.2016
Pegasus by NSO – According to reports in the Swiss media, the Swiss criminal justice system and the Federal Intelligence Service are using the Israeli spy software.[94]The Citizen Lab, HIDE AND SEEK Tracking NSO Group’s Pegasus Spyware to Operations in 45 Countries, 18.09.2018[95]RTS, La Suisse utilise aussi un logiciel espion israélien du type Pegasus, 11.08.2021