Swiss Armed Forces complete security support mission for Lake Lucerne Summit

The Swiss Armed Forces have successfully completed their mission as a partner of the Canton of Nidwalden to ensure the safe conduct of the LAKE LUCERNE SUMMIT on the Bürgenstock in the canton of Nidwalden. Approximately 1,300 military personnel were on duty each day. A total of five violations occurred in the restricted airspace. Two aircraft were escorted out of the restricted airspace by the Air Force.

Today, Tuesday, 23 June 2026, the Swiss Armed Forces will be relieved of their assistance duties to ensure the safe conduct of the LAKE LUCERNE SUMMIT on the Bürgenstock in Nidwalden. On 18 June 2026, the Federal Council approved a maximum of 2,000 military personnel to support civilian security forces and enforce the temporary airspace restrictions as part of the conference’s security measures. Since 19 June 2026, an average of approximately 1,300 military personnel has been on duty each day. All missions were carried out to the full satisfaction of those in charge. Cooperation with all civilian emergency response forces proceeded smoothly in the spirit of joint mission fulfillment.
Among other things, military personnel assisted the civilian police in protecting and escorting individuals protected under international law, transporting delegations by land and air, and securing the conference venue. The Air Force also successfully implemented expanded measures to safeguard air sovereignty — a task that only the Armed Forces can perform. There were five violations in the restricted airspace. In two cases, the Air Force had to visually identify the offending aircraft and escort them out of the security zone.
In addition to logistical support with equipment and with setting up and dismantling, the army’s other tasks included surveillance operations and the interception of mini drones as part of its self-defence measures. The Armed Forces also contributed its capabilities in the areas of cyber defence and NBC protection.
Operations of this kind incur only marginal additional costs. The financial expenditure for the Armed Forces’s support service is covered by the DDPS’s regular budget.