Switzerland announced Thursday it will position approximately 4,000 military personnel within its borders to strengthen security measures while France hosts the G7 summit of world leaders next month.
The gathering, scheduled for June 15 through 17 in the French community of Evian-les-Bains situated across Lake Geneva, will draw leaders from major global economies, including U.S. President Donald Trump, along with additional high-ranking delegations.
Officials from the unit responsible for planning and managing the Swiss Armed Forces stated that the magnitude of the event and its closeness to Switzerland’s border necessitates careful coordination between civilian and military officials. Demonstrations are expected during the summit.
“The proximity to the border presents a major challenge for security authorities in the cantons of Vaud, Geneva and Valais. As a result, the Federal Council and Parliament have decided on a subsidiary security deployment of the army,” the Swiss army’s Defence Group said in a statement.
According to the announcement, military forces will be responsible for safeguarding vital infrastructure, such as Geneva Airport, strengthening border monitoring, and overseeing important transportation corridors and Lake Geneva.
The Swiss air force will also increase aerial patrol activities, implementing airspace limitations from June 10 through June 19, while deploying anti-drone technology and defenses against nuclear, biological and chemical dangers, officials added.
