Armament Deputy Chief Joins Forces at the European Defence Agency’s Annual Summit

Armasuisse

Bern, 22.01.2025 – Thomas Rothacher, the Deputy Chief of Armament, will participate with a delegation in the annual meeting of the European Defence Agency (EDA) taking place in Brussels on 22 January 2025. The focus of the conference will be: “New horizons in EU defence: enhancing ambitions, accelerating actions”. Discussions with representatives from NATO and the EDA are also scheduled.

The annual meeting of the European Defence Agency (EDA) is set to occur in Brussels on 22 January 2025. Thomas Rothacher, the Deputy Chief of Armament and Director of armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T), will be there with a delegation. This prestigious annual gathering will concentrate on the EU’s future direction in the defence realm, under the theme “New horizons in EU defence: enhancing ambitions, accelerating actions”. Key topics will include long-term support for Ukraine, strengthening the European defence industry, and collaborative capability development.

The armasuisse delegation will also engage in discussions regarding potential collaborations in technological advancement and innovation facilitation with representatives from the EDA and NATO.

Switzerland’s Role in the Hub for EU Defence Innovation

On 27 November 2024, the Federal Council authorized Switzerland’s involvement in the Hub for European Defence Innovation (HEDI) established by the European Defence Agency. This participation will allow Swiss industries and researchers to engage in EDA research initiatives and innovation activities, gaining access to international expertise. Joining the HEDI will also enhance the visibility of Swiss innovations on the global platform.

This accession to the HEDI presents a vital opportunity for armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T), enabling it to link its initiatives in the DDPS innovation sectors with HEDI efforts. armasuisse S+T will provide multiple testing facilities and its expertise in defence technologies, among other contributions. The outcomes of these endeavors will eventually be incorporated into the innovation strategies of the Swiss Armed Forces.

The European Defence Agency

Switzerland formalized its cooperation with the EDA through an agreement signed on 16 March 2012. This agreement is non-binding legally between Switzerland and the EDA. By participating, Switzerland can identify developments in defence policy at an early stage and engage in multilateral armament collaboration across Europe.
 

Contact Information

Kaj-Gunnar Sievert
Head of Communications armasuisse
+41 58 464 62 47

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Armasuisse

Defence

General Secretariat DDPS