Swiss Army Conducts Helicopter Shooting Training in France.

The Swiss Armed Forces has begun a specialised helicopter shooting exercise in France as part of efforts to strengthen defence capabilities and improve international military cooperation.

According to the Swiss Army, the training exercise is taking place from May 15 to May 22, 2026, in Solenzara, France. A Cougar military helicopter is being used for the operation, with soldiers practising live firing at moving targets while airborne.

The exercise focuses on improving operational procedures and tactical coordination during complex aerial combat situations. Shooting from helicopters is considered highly challenging because helicopters operate as unstable moving platforms while wind conditions continuously change during flight.

Military officials stated that the training follows strict safety regulations and can only be conducted in specially approved zones with clearly defined security areas. Due to Switzerland’s geographical limitations and restricted airspace, similar advanced exercises are difficult to organise within the country.

The Swiss government decided in 2024 to increase international military cooperation in order to modernise defence readiness and overcome domestic operational limitations. Training abroad allows Swiss forces to gain practical experience and learn from international defence partners.

The army also noted that these joint exercises improve interoperability between allied armed forces and help prepare soldiers for realistic operational environments. Defence experts say such international cooperation has become increasingly important as European nations focus more heavily on security and military preparedness.

The training exercise reflects Switzerland’s broader efforts to strengthen national defence capabilities amid changing geopolitical and security conditions across Europe.

Europe’s AI Defence Revolution Gains Momentum

European defence forces are rapidly accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence into military systems, marking a major shift from experimental use to operational deployment across the continent.

According to defence analysts speaking to Euronews, countries including Germany, France, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom are leading Europe’s push to integrate AI into modern warfare systems.

One of the most significant recent developments is the “Brave Germany” programme, launched by Germany and Ukraine, which aims to deploy approximately 5,000 joint AI-enabled medium-range strike drones. The initiative reflects growing collaboration between European states on advanced defence technologies.

Experts say Europe’s militaries have already used artificial intelligence for years in logistics, human resources, and equipment maintenance. However, recent developments show a shift toward integrating AI into core operational and tactical decision-making systems.

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) researcher Laura Bruun explains that early military AI adoption began around 2015, when the technology became advanced enough to significantly improve operational efficiency.

She notes that even basic AI systems can optimise battlefield logistics and route planning, similar to navigation tools used in everyday applications.

Current AI defence investment in Europe is largely focused on two key areas: semi-autonomous weapon systems and AI-driven decision-support systems that assist commanders in real time.

Analysts say the rapid expansion of military AI raises strategic, ethical, and security questions as countries balance innovation with regulation and international law.

As AI integration deepens, Europe’s defence landscape is expected to continue evolving, with increased collaboration, competition, and investment shaping the next phase of military modernization.

Swiss Court Convicts Businessman for Supplying Sensitive Goods to Russia

Switzerland’s Federal Criminal Court has sentenced a businessman to a suspended prison term after finding him guilty of illegally supplying sensitive materials to Russia in violation of Swiss export control laws.

The court handed the man a 16-month suspended prison sentence for multiple offences under the Swiss Goods Control Act, including attempted illegal exports linked to materials allegedly intended for a programme involving weapons of mass destruction.

According to prosecutors, the businessman worked for a company that distributes laboratory equipment, medical products, and pharmaceutical materials. Over a period of four years, he supplied and offered to supply goods to two individuals connected to the Russian trade mission in Bern.

Investigators stated that products worth around CHF75,000 were successfully exported to Russia, while additional offers totaling approximately CHF934,000 were proposed but never completed due to intervention by Swiss authorities in 2024.

The case highlights Switzerland’s strict regulations on dual-use goods and sensitive technologies that could potentially support military or prohibited weapons programmes.

Swiss authorities have intensified monitoring of exports linked to Russia in recent years, particularly following international sanctions and heightened geopolitical tensions.

The ruling underscores the country’s commitment to enforcing international non-proliferation rules and preventing the transfer of controlled materials that could threaten global security.

Bern Police Launch ‘Super-Recogniser’ Pilot Project to Identify Criminals.

Bern Cantonal Police is launching a pilot project that uses officers with exceptional face-recognition abilities, known as “super-recognisers,” to support criminal investigations.

The initiative follows internal testing within the police force, where around 30 officers were identified as having above-average facial recognition skills. According to a police spokesperson, roughly 10% of participants in the screening demonstrated these enhanced abilities.

Super-recognisers have the rare capacity to accurately remember and identify faces even after brief or indirect encounters. Authorities say this capability can significantly assist in locating violent offenders and improving public safety operations.

The project development was already underway when the Canton of Bern parliament approved a motion from the Centre Party in March calling for the use of super-recognisers to strengthen policing capabilities.

Officials noted that recent public order challenges, including escalated demonstrations in the canton last October, contributed to political support for the initiative.

The Bern Cantonal Police confirmed that detailed planning for the pilot is now complete and implementation is scheduled for the summer. Officers selected for the program will be deployed to support investigations where facial identification is critical.

The pilot reflects a broader trend in European policing strategies that combine human cognitive skills with modern investigative methods to improve identification accuracy and response times.

Authorities will evaluate the effectiveness of the program after its initial rollout before deciding whether to expand it across the canton.

Swiss and French Ministers Meet in Geneva Ahead of G7 Summit

Ignazio Cassis and Jean-Noël Barrot held a high-level bilateral meeting in Geneva on Friday evening to discuss preparations for the upcoming G7 summit in France.

The meeting focused mainly on security coordination, diplomatic cooperation, and organisational planning for the G7 summit scheduled to take place next month in Évian.

Speaking after the discussions, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis described the summit as a significant international event for both Europe and the wider global community.

Cassis stated that Switzerland is proud to support France in organising the summit and ensuring strong regional security cooperation during the event.

He also highlighted the importance of International Geneva in supporting global diplomacy and managing international events during a period marked by geopolitical instability and global tensions.

The upcoming G7 summit is expected to attract major world leaders and international delegations, increasing the need for enhanced security measures across the Lake Geneva region.

Authorities in Switzerland and France have already announced additional border controls and security preparations ahead of the summit.

Recent concerns surrounding protests, cyber threats, and regional security challenges have led both countries to strengthen cooperation between law enforcement and diplomatic agencies.

The bilateral meeting reflects the growing strategic partnership between Switzerland and France on international security and diplomatic matters.

Officials say continued coordination will remain essential in the coming weeks to ensure the successful and secure organisation of the G7 summit.

Switzerland Reintroduces French Border Checks for G7 Summit

Switzerland will temporarily reintroduce border checks along parts of its border with France ahead of the upcoming G7 Summit 2026 in Évian.

The Swiss government confirmed on Wednesday that the temporary controls will remain in effect from June 10 to June 19 as part of heightened security measures surrounding the summit.

Although the G7 meeting will take place in Évian, Swiss authorities stated that nearby regions including Geneva, Lausanne, and the wider Lake Geneva area face increased security risks during the international gathering.

Officials noted that previous G7 summits have sometimes resulted in violent protests, acts of sabotage, public disorder, and property damage. Authorities also highlighted concerns linked to the current geopolitical climate and the large concentration of international organizations based in Geneva.

The request to temporarily restore border controls was submitted by the Canton of Geneva, reflecting growing concerns about public safety and regional security during the summit period.

The G7 Summit is scheduled to take place from June 15 to June 17, bringing together leaders from major industrialized nations to discuss global political, economic, and security issues.

Swiss authorities are expected to increase police presence and strengthen monitoring around border crossings, transportation hubs, and sensitive areas during the event.

Switzerland Warns of Worsening Security Situation

The Switzerland government has warned that the country’s security situation has deteriorated significantly over the past year amid rising geopolitical tensions across Europe and the Middle East.

In its latest national security report released on Wednesday, Swiss authorities stated that growing international instability is increasing pressure on Switzerland to contribute more actively to European security efforts.

The report highlights that Switzerland is being directly affected by Russia’s hybrid warfare strategies, including cyber threats, disinformation campaigns, and espionage activities. Officials also noted that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to create broader security risks and political instability.

According to the government, global geopolitical developments are now having a direct impact on Switzerland’s internal security environment.

Authorities warned that the terrorist threat remains heavily influenced by jihadist movements, while violent extremism from both far-left and far-right groups continues to pose risks inside Europe.

Switzerland Evaluates New Air Defence Systems.

The government of Switzerland has started evaluating alternative air defence systems to strengthen national security and modernize its military capabilities.

According to Armasuisse, officials have contacted authorities in Germany, France, Israel, and South Korea. In addition, five major defence manufacturers have also been approached to provide technical and strategic information.

Armasuisse has sent formal “requests for information” to these countries and companies. The evaluation focuses on key factors such as:

• Delivery timelines
• Overall costs
• System performance
• European production share

Officials have emphasized that local or European production—preferably within Switzerland—would be a major advantage.

This move reflects Switzerland’s effort to reassess its defence strategy amid evolving global security challenges. By comparing multiple systems, the government aims to identify the most effective and reliable solution.

Authorities will review the responses from partner countries and manufacturers before making any procurement decisions. The final choice will depend on operational efficiency, affordability, and long-term strategic value.