To ensure our national security and sovereignty, let’s keep Beyond Gravity in Switzerland!

Published on August 29, 2024 at 4:36 p.m. / Modified on August 29, 2024 at 4:36 p.m.

Five years ago, the Confederation decided to take steps to sell RUAG Space, which has since changed its name to Beyond Gravity. This decision was based primarily on the fact that the space sector did not directly meet the needs of our army. By the end of this year, the two Chambers will discuss whether or not to sell this activity.

However, the context of the space and defense domain has changed radically since 2019. Indeed, the space domain is developing further and is at the forefront of innovation. The European continent has also regained a leading place in the space industry. Space has become highly political for States. Sadly, war has returned to Europe. As such, on the eve of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the satellite network used by the Ukrainian armed forces was the victim of a cyberattack. Collaterally, this affected critical infrastructure and thousands of individuals in Europe. This situation demonstrates the usefulness of space systems for armies, which make it possible to better organize land, air and space defense. It highlights the vulnerability of satellite and space systems to cyberattacks. This vulnerability will be a real challenge for our nations in the coming decades. There is therefore a vital interest for our army to have additional skills in the space domain and to be able to rely on the expertise of Beyond Gravity.

Le Temps publishes columns, written by members of the editorial staff or external people, as well as opinions and platforms, proposed to personalities or requested by them. These texts reflect the point of view of their authors. They in no way represent the position of the media.

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