The Swiss government said Friday that it will hold a series of joint troop trainings next week, from November 22 to 28, involving more than 5,000 military personnel for the first time since 1989.
According to a communiqué from the Executive, the maneuvers will take place in the cantons of Bern, Solothurn, Aaragau, Lucerne and Zurich, and will aim to improve «the interaction between the different troop elements for the development of the ground forces».
«Exercise ‘PILUM 22’ envisages that the formations involved will train standard procedures and confrontations against armed groups,» said the government, which noted that the maneuvers will involve mechanized battalions, logistics and a mountain infantry.
Berne has assured that these exercises have been in preparation and design for two years, as the aim is to test the Armed Forces when facing «a case of armed conflict, even in the field».
