The Federal Council wants to improve Switzerland’s access to satellite images. At its meeting on November 25, 2020, it adopted a message for this purpose concerning an appropriation of 82 million [Swiss] francs. It calls on Parliament to approve a framework agreement providing for bilateral cooperation with France in the field of satellite imagery.
High-resolution satellites are playing an increasing role in our country’s security interests. As Switzerland does not currently have any capability in this area, it depends on images and data delivered by commercial service providers.
France, which is currently setting up an optical recognition satellite system meeting high-level requirements (Optical Space Component, CSO), has offered its access to several nations, including Switzerland.
The first of the three planned satellites was put into orbit at the end of 2018; and the system should be fully operational in 2022. On November 25, 2020, the Federal Council adopted a decision on a framework agreement providing for cooperation between Switzerland and France for the use of the CSO system and on the related credit submitted to the Parliament.