A large-scale military exercise in Switzerland marked the country’s largest since 1989, drawing participation from about 5,000 soldiers and multiple armored units. Dozens of vehicles were involved as the Swiss Armed Forces conducted PILUM 22, a major drill that tested coordinated operations across land, logistics, and mountain warfare environments.
From November 22 to 29, four mechanized battalions, a logistics battalion, and a mountain infantry unit formed the core of the exercise. The drills took place across varied terrain, with command post simulations and field maneuvers designed to evaluate readiness, interoperability, and response times among different branches of the Swiss military.
The scenario examined a northern ground advance toward the city of Basel, situated near the Franco-German border. In the planning and execution phases, Swiss commanders emphasized that the exercise yielded generally positive results. They also noted a persistent challenge: radio communications across regions still require improvements to ensure seamless coordination in real-world operations.
Beyond the internal training implications, Switzerland has maintained its neutral status in the broader security landscape. In line with this stance, the nation has declined to provide helmets and body armor to foreign armed forces. However, it continues to support Ukraine through non-kinetic aid and essential humanitarian supplies, including medical materials, family tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, and wool blankets. These actions reflect the country’s approach to contributing to regional stability while preserving neutrality. As the PILUM 22 exercise concluded, observers highlighted a clear demonstration of professional discipline, logistical planning, and the ability to adapt to evolving tactical scenarios. The experience gained during the drills is expected to inform future training cycles and component readiness across the Swiss military establishment, reinforcing a measured and resilient posture in a dynamic security environment.