5 Swiss Defence Companies to Know in 2025
With the fog of war starting to drift further into Europe, there is a renewed focus on the Old Continent’s defence industry.
Switzerland’s home-grown defence manufacturers also come into focus.
While the Swiss government recently completed a hotly-contested purchase of F-35 fighter jets from the US, the geopolitical climate in 2025 will make national defence companies even more important.
Here are 5 specialist companies that serve the Swiss armed forces.
Tanks from General Dynamics
General Dynamics
General Dynamics European Land Systems-Mowag GmbH, headquartered in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland, specializes in the development and production of armored fighting vehicles, notably the Piranha and Eagle series.
As part of General Dynamics European Land Systems, led by President Antonio Bueno, the company contributes to a workforce of approximately 2,400 employees across multiple European sites.
While specific financial figures for GDELS-Mowag are not publicly disclosed, the parent company, General Dynamics, reported a net earnings increase of 14.2% in the fourth quarter of 2024, with revenues reaching $13.3 billion.
Airplane assembly at RUAG, an official partner of the Swiss Air Force.
RUAG Defence
RUAG Defence is a key division of RUAG Holding, specializing in land systems, communications, cybersecurity, and simulation technologies for the Swiss Armed Forces and international defence markets. The company provides maintenance, modernization, and life-cycle management for military equipment, including combat vehicles, ballistic defence systems, and mobile control rooms.
It also offers advanced command and control solutions, reconnaissance systems, and cyber-defence capabilities, ensuring operational security in an increasingly digitalized military landscape.
With production sites in Switzerland and Germany, RUAG Defence plays a strategic role in maintaining Switzerland’s sovereign defence capabilities while expanding its technological footprint globally.
B&T
B&T AG, formerly known as Brügger & Thomet AG, is a privately owned Swiss defense company headquartered in Thun, specializing in the design and manufacture of firearms, suppressors, and tactical accessories.
Founded in 1991 by Karl Brügger and Heinrich Thomet, the company initially focused on producing suppressors for the Swiss market. Over the years, B&T expanded its product line to include firearms such as the MP9 submachine gun, APC series carbines, and the GL06 grenade launcher.
As of 2017, the company employed approximately 70 people and has established a global presence, supplying law enforcement and military agencies worldwide. In March 2019, B&T was awarded a $2.6 million contract by the U.S. Army for its APC9K subcompact weapon, underscoring its reputation for innovative and reliable defense solutions.
SwissP Defence
SwissP Defence AG, headquartered in Thun, Switzerland, is a leading European supplier of high-quality small-caliber ammunition for armed forces and law enforcement agencies. Founded in 1863, the company has over 160 years of experience in ammunition manufacturing, emphasizing precision, performance, and reliability.
In 2022, SwissP Defence became part of Beretta Holding, aligning with Beretta Defense Technologies to offer a comprehensive range of defense systems. The company's innovative products include the SWISS P Hybrid Case Technology (HCT), which enhances ballistic performance while reducing weight for operational agility.
Key management figures include CEO Dirk Prehn and board member lic. iur. Corina Claudia Eichenberger-Walther. SwissP Defence employs between 201 and 500 people and generates an estimated revenue ranging from CHF 101 million to 500 million.
Rheinmetall Defence Group
Rheinmetall Defence Group, a prominent German defence contractor, maintains a significant presence in Switzerland through its subsidiary, Rheinmetall Air Defence AG, headquartered in Zurich.
This Swiss branch specializes in advanced air defence systems, notably the Oerlikon Skyshield, a modular short-range air defense system designed to counter a variety of aerial threats. As of December 2024, Rheinmetall employs approximately 11,000 personnel across its global operations.
Rheinmetall's Swiss operations play a crucial role in the company's air defense capabilities, contributing to both national and international security solutions.