UBS(US:UBS) MINTยท2025-09-12 18:56Core Viewpoint - Switzerland has appointed Major General Benedikt Roos as the new chief of its armed forces, tasked with addressing controversies and procurement issues that plagued his predecessor's term [1][2]. Group 1: Leadership Changes - Major General Benedikt Roos, a career officer since 1997, will assume his new role on January 1, succeeding Thomas Suessli, who resigned in February [1][2]. - Roos's appointment signifies a return to traditional military leadership, contrasting with Suessli's background as an IT specialist and former UBS employee [2]. Group 2: Procurement Issues - Suessli's tenure was characterized by delays and increased costs in key defense projects, notably the F-35A fighter jet order from Lockheed Martin, which is expected to exceed the original budget by up to 1.3 billion Swiss francs ($1.6 billion) [3]. - The Swiss military faces challenges in accessing necessary weapon systems due to export restrictions linked to the country's neutrality stance [5]. Group 3: Defense Spending and Future Plans - Switzerland currently allocates 0.7% of its GDP to defense, with plans to increase this to 1% by 2030 [4]. - Roos acknowledged that Switzerland may not be a top priority for defense industry orders in the future, as the demand for military support has increased globally [5]. Group 4: Additional Appointments - The Swiss government has also appointed Serge Bavaud, the current Ambassador to Algeria, as the new head of the Federal Intelligence Service [5].