In response to escalating global tensions—particularly Russia’s war in Ukraine—the Swiss Armed Forces have launched a nationwide initiative to modernize and repurpose thousands of wartime bunkers as part of a renewed national defence strategy.
🏔️ Historical Infrastructure Reimagined
Switzerland’s bunker network, comprising an estimated 8,000 sites, dates back to 1886 and was central to the National Redoubt strategy during World War II and the Cold War. These fortifications were designed to protect strategic transit routes such as the Gotthard railway and Alpine passes.
Following the Cold War, many bunkers were decommissioned and sold to private owners, who converted them into cheese cellars, art galleries, data centers, and even cryptocurrency vaults like the Swiss Fort Knox in Bern canton.
🔧 Defence Modernisation Strategy
In 2023, the Swiss army halted all bunker sales, citing the need to reassess their strategic value. Army Chief Lieutenant General Thomas Süssli emphasized the importance of adapting existing infrastructure to modern threats:
“We have to make use of what we’ve got… The nature of military threats has changed”.
The military aims to transform bunkers into low-cost, tech-enabled defence nodes that require minimal staffing and are resilient to attack. Many of the structures remain in good condition and could be restored quickly with parliamentary approval.
💡 Innovation and Civil Use
The Swiss Society for Technology and Armed Forces (STA) will host an “Innovation Day” in September, inviting tech firms, researchers, and startups to propose creative solutions for bunker upgrades. The STA stressed that ideas from non-defence sectors are welcome.
In parallel, some cantons have repurposed civilian shelters to provide temporary housing for refugees, reflecting the dual-use potential of these facilities.
Switzerland’s bunker revival aligns with broader European trends, as countries like Germany and Romania also reinvest in protective infrastructure amid renewed concerns over regional conflict.
Decoy Control Bunker by Phil Champion
