The annual conference of the European Defence Agency (EDA) will take place in Brussels on 22 January 2025. Thomas Rothacher, Deputy Chief of Armament and Director of armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T), will take part with a delegation in Brussels. The high-profile annual conference will be dedicated to the future orientation of the EU in the defence sector with the theme “New horizons in EU defence: enhancing ambitions, accelerating actions”. In particular, the conference will focus on long-term support for Ukraine, the reinforcement of the European defence industry and the joint development of capabilities.

The armasuisse delegation will also exchange views on the cooperation opportunities in the area of technological development and innovation promotion with representatives from the EDA and NATO.

Switzerland member of the Hub for EU Defence Innovation

On 27 November 2024, the Federal Council approved Switzerland’s participation in the Hub for European Defence Innovation (HEDI) of the European Defence Agency. This will enable Swiss industry and science to take part in EDA research projects as well as innovation activities and to benefit from international expertise. Participation in the HEDI also increases the visibility of Swiss innovation on the international stage.

In particular, the accession to the HEDI is a key opportunity for armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T) as it can now connect its work in the DDPS innovation spaces with that of the HEDI. armasuisse S+T will thus provide various test infrastructures and its expertise in the area of defence technologies, for example. These activities and the knowledge gained from them will ultimately be incorporated in the innovation activities of the Swiss Armed Forces.

The European Defence Agency

Switzerland signed the agreement for cooperation with the EDA on 16 March 2012. This is a legally non-binding agreement between Switzerland and the EDA. Participation enables Switzerland to identify developments in defence policy early on and to access multilateral armament cooperation in Europe.

Deputy Chief of Armament to take part in the Annual Conference of the European Defence Agency