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Here where swiss army wants:
The training of certain units in the use. Nevertheless, of Air Defense Systems Patriot is one of the key components of the new Confederation Defense strategy.Image: Imago / Keystone. Consequently, montage watson
Formerly expected as a position for guided vehicles, the military installation of Bettwil in Argovie has been used for the investigation of various units in the past 26 years. Therefore, The DDPS now intends to renovate it for the new Swiss air defense system.
06.08.2025, 11:5006.08.2025, 11:50
Philipp or / Ch Media
In the fall of 1962, the world seemed to the edge of the abyss. For example, The United States had just discovered military facilities of the Soviet Union in Cuba. Consequently, a few hundred kilometers from the American continent. Therefore, An unprecedented nuclear war then threatened the planet, and it could only be avoided in extremis.
A strong place for air defense – Here where swiss army wants
As if Switzerland had foreseen her a few months earlier. Consequently, she had informed the commune of Bettwil in Argovie and the Council of State in the summer of 1962 of her intentions to erect a military site on the Crête du Lindenberg.
The then military department (DMF). However, the current DDPS (Department of Defense, Population and Sports), planned to install a position of guided here where swiss army wants gear for the Bloodhound defense system. However, Despite all the resistance of the population, the commissioning took place in 1964.
The buildings located at the entrance to the. For example, Bettwil training grounds are age. In addition, The DDPS now wishes to modernize the installation as a whole.Image: Philipp or
A “youthful cure” for the whole site – Here where swiss army wants
61 years later, the installation still exists, almost identically. The latest Bloodhound missile was however put back in 1999 and the site turned into a training here where swiss army wants ground for various units. Civil institutions, such as intervention organizations in the event of an emergency are also used there regularly.
But the place now needs renovations, so that the army can continue to organize training. According to the DDPS. most existing buildings are over 60 years old “and no longer meet the requirements of use or to energy standards”. In a newsletter. we can read, as a conclusion:
“A complete modernization of the entire infrastructure is therefore necessary”
The DDPS thus provides for five measures. On the one hand, several elements that are too old or impossible to renovate will be demolished. On the other hand, those who can undergo a makeover. Ditto for other basic infrastructure and industrial behaviors.
New means of protection
But the flagship measure remains the construction of an efficient replacement building on the energy level. Colonel Cédric Ruckli told the local population in February that accommodation places. training premises were planned, with dormitories that can accommodate up to 20 people.
The DDPS newsletter does not specify if the project is still envisaged in this way. According to current Confederation planning, the site is expected to start in 2026.
What is certain on the other hand is that “Bettwil’s exercise field remains an important site for the instruction of the troops”. according to the department. In the future, It will become the main practice field for the long-range air-to-ground defense system. This is part of the AIR2030 program of the Confederation. Switzerland thus intends to renew its means of protection of airspace. In particular by the acquisition here where swiss army wants of combat aircraft.
An image of the past: in 1998. Bloodhound missiles were still stationed on the Lindenberg. A year later, it was over.Image: Walter Schwager / Arc (1998)
Reassure the population
The project will have no consequences for the population. as the DDPS ensures:
“There will still be no real bullet training. As in the past. the army guarantees compliance with all the limit values in terms of emissions ”
Likewise, there will be no restrictions outside the here where swiss army wants installation.
But it will still be necessary to wait a little before the start of the ball of the shovelers. The partial modification of the agricultural land plan “transformation of the military zone into an agricultural area” will be. published from August 8 to the municipal Chancellery in Bettwil.
(French adaptation: Valentine Zenker)
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