What weapons does the modern Swiss Army use?
- Владислав Шелковенко
- Jul 11
- 3 min read
Despite its long-standing neutrality, Switzerland maintains a highly capable and well-equipped military, centred around territorial defence, rapid mobilisation, and precision. The Swiss Armed Forces prioritize modern, reliable, and domestically produced equipment. Their weapon systems reflect a doctrine built on mobility, decentralised readiness, and alpine warfare.
Here’s a look at the main weapons used by the modern Swiss military, from standard-issue firearms to armoured vehicles and air defence systems.
Service Rifle: SIG SG 550 Series (Stgw 90)
The primary weapon of the Swiss infantry is the Sturmgewehr 90 (Stgw 90), internationally known as the SIG SG 550. Introduced in the late 1980s, it replaced the older Stgw 57 battle rifle.
Key features:
Caliber: 5.56×45mm NATO
Fire modes: Semi-auto and full-auto
Modular with telescoping stock, diopter sights, and optics compatibility
Highly accurate and reliable in alpine conditions
The rifle is produced by Swiss Arms (formerly SIG) and is known for its exceptional build quality. It remains one of the most respected service rifles in Europe.
Variants include:
SG 551/552: Shorter-barrel carbines for special forces and vehicle crews
SG 553: Compact version for commandos and mountain troops
SIG SG 550
Machine Guns
LMG 05 (Minimi Para): The standard squad automatic weapon, a variant of the FN Minimi, chambered in 5.56mm NATO. Compact, lightweight, and suited for infantry fire support.
MG 51: A legacy GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun) chambered in 7.5mm Swiss, still used on vehicles and in fixed positions. Despite its age, it remains in service due to its high rate of fire and ruggedness.
MG 64: Used primarily on tanks and armored vehicles.
LMG 05
Pistols: SIG P220 (Pistole 75)
Swiss soldiers, officers, and support personnel carry the Pistole 75, a domestically manufactured version of the SIG P220.
Specifications:
Caliber: 9×19mm Parabellum
Capacity: 9 rounds
Known for: Reliability, safety features, and ease of use
It has served faithfully for decades and is due to be phased out or supplemented by a more modern sidearm in the coming years.
Sniper and Marksman Rifles
Sako TRG-42: In use with Swiss snipers, chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, offering high precision at long range.
SIG Sauer SSG 3000: Bolt-action rifle in 7.62mm NATO, used for designated marksman and counter-sniper roles.
Stgw 90 DMR configuration: Standard SG 550 rifles modified with optics and bipods for designated marksmen.
SIG Sauer SSG 3000
Anti-Tank Weapons
Panzerfaust 3: Modern German-made reusable anti-tank weapon capable of penetrating modern armour.
M47 Dragon (retired): Previously used guided missile system.
Spike LR: Newer anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system being considered for broader deployment.
Panzerfaust 3
Grenade Launchers and Explosives
GL 5040: Under-barrel grenade launcher mounted on the SG 550 rifle, using 40mm low-velocity grenades.
Hand grenades, smoke grenades, and demolition charges are standard issue for combat engineers and infantry units.
GL 5040
Combat Vehicles and Armour
Piranha III 8×8 APC: Armored personnel carrier used for infantry transport and reconnaissance. Modular and mobile, suitable for alpine terrain.
Mowag Eagle: 4×4 light armored vehicle used for patrol and liaison missions.
Leopard 2A4: Switzerland operates a modernized fleet of Leopard 2 main battle tanks, known locally as Panzer 87.
Duro and Mowag trucks: Multipurpose logistical and transport vehicles.
Piranha III 8×8 APC
Air Defence and Artillery
Oerlikon 35mm twin AA gun (GDF-005): A legacy anti-aircraft system paired with fire-control radar.
Stinger MANPADS: Man-portable air defense missile system for short-range air protection.
Bison mortar system: 81mm or 120mm mortars for mobile indirect fire support.
Switzerland no longer maintains a dedicated air force for offensive operations, but air defense remains a high priority, especially with plans to acquire F-35A fighter jets for air policing and sovereignty.
Special Forces Equipment
The Swiss Grenadiers (Grenadiere) and other special units use:
SG 553 or HK416 rifles
Suppressed weapons, thermal optics
Lightweight armour and advanced comms gear
Tactical UAVs for reconnaissance
Their training and equipment are on par with NATO special operations forces.
Conclusion
The Swiss Armed Forces exemplify how a neutral nation can maintain a modern, disciplined, and combat-ready military. Every weapon system is selected with defense, mobility, and alpine warfare in mind. Rather than projecting power abroad, Switzerland focuses on defending its territory with precision, professionalism, and high-quality equipment — a doctrine that continues to earn respect across the military world.