On 18 May 2003, the Swiss electorate approved Army XXI with 76% (Swissvotes: 495.00; Federal Chancellery, 2003). The reform promised 120,000-140,000 active personnel, 80,000 reserves, and a budget of CHF 4.3 billion per year (Parliament: 02.053).
Reduction of main weapon systems between 1990 and 2025:
| Weapon System | 1990 | 2025 | Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Battle Tanks | 860 | 134 | -84% |
| Combat Aircraft | 272 | 86 | -68% |
| Artillery Systems | ~4,900 | 133 | -97% |
| Air Defense | Strongest in Europe | Only Stinger remaining | ~-97% |
Military historian Mantovani: "Switzerland has lost its defense capability" (NZZ, 2022). The NZZ documents the "policy failure regarding the Swiss Army" (NZZ, 2023). The Officers' Society "Panzer" estimates the total requirement at CHF 100 billion (NZZ, 2024).
Chief of the Armed Forces Thomas Suessli stated in December 2025 (NZZ, 2025; SRF, 2025):
Suessli resigned at the end of 2025 (DDPS: Suessli Resignation). The WEA 2018 was a corrective attempt with a target strength of 100,000 (DDPS: WEA).