Defence companies in Switzerland

Builds the operating system and autonomy software that turns commercial drones into coordinated swarms for defence and enterprise fleet operations.

AuterionOS

The onboard operating system for autonomous drones and ground vehicles. Vendor-independent by design and built on PX4 and open standards, it runs across fleets of mixed-manufacturer vehicles, providing a consistent experience for autonomy, comms, sensors and apps. New capabilities can be deployed as apps without hardware changes.

Skynode X

An all-in-one autopilot and mission computer that integrates flight control, a mission computer and LTE connectivity into a single module. Skynode X gives any drone or robot immediate access to the full Auterion software stack — mission planning, live video, cloud analytics and predictive maintenance — without assembling separate components.

Skynode S

A compact, cost-effective version of the Skynode hardware platform designed for volume deployment. With over 50,000 units in service, it is the most widely deployed secure control module for autonomous aerial systems and serves as the hardware foundation for Nemyx swarm operations.

Nemyx

Swarm coordination software that links autonomous drones into a single, resilient combat force. Built on AuterionOS and optimised for Skynode S, Nemyx allows one operator to strike multiple targets simultaneously and maintain mission continuity even when GPS and video links are jammed. It integrates with existing fleets without hardware replacements.

Builds remote-controlled platforms for humanitarian demining and explosive ordnance disposal, deployed across conflict zones from Ukraine to Iraq and Colombia.

Swiss manufacturer of secure storage and cybersecurity hardware for defence, industrial, and IoT applications. Produces tamper-resistant SSDs, memory cards, and authentication keys engineered in Switzerland and manufactured in Berlin, serving 5,000+ customers including military clients.

Swiss space cybersecurity startup developing the ARCA confidential computing platform to secure satellite communications and critical infrastructure. EPFL spin-off with contracts from CNES and ESA, and partnerships with Viasat and Thuraya. Also organizes CYSAT, Europe's space cybersecurity conference.

Builds and operates the SDO 50 V3, a long-range turbine-powered unmanned helicopter for BVLOS infrastructure inspection, aerial surveillance and search-and-rescue missions.

Developer and manufacturer of next-generation neutron and gamma radiation detection systems using compressed noble-gas technology. Creates radiation portal monitors, drone-based detection systems, and mobile detection units for homeland security and defence applications.

Swiss firearms manufacturer specializing in submachine guns, suppressors, and tactical accessories from Thun. Won a $2.6M US Army contract for the APC9K subcompact weapon in 2019, supplying military and law enforcement in 60+ countries.

Swiss BVLOS drone operator providing Security-as-a-Service for defence, border protection, and critical infrastructure monitoring. Partnered with Thales for UAS100 drone systems with 100+ km operating range, flying from four Swiss airbases.

Builds robotic spacecraft that capture and deorbit defunct satellites and space debris for ESA and national space agencies.

ClearSpace-1

ESA-contracted mission to capture and deorbit the defunct PROBA-1 satellite using four robotic arms, targeting launch in the second half of 2026. It will be the first removal of an unprepared, non-cooperative space object from orbit, demonstrating the core technologies needed for recurring debris removal services.

PRELUDE

A two-spacecraft demonstration mission being developed with ESA's Space Safety Programme, targeting launch in 2027. The two craft will carry out complex autonomous rendezvous and proximity manoeuvres in real orbit, validating the navigation and sensor systems that underpin future inspection and debris removal operations at scale.

CLEAR

The UK's first Active Debris Removal mission, funded by the UK Space Agency, targeting the removal of two derelict UK-registered satellites from low Earth orbit above 700 km altitude. ClearSpace completed Phase 2 in May 2025, demonstrating key capture technologies and de-risking the mission ahead of the operational phase.

CERN spin-off developing a no-code visual analytics platform that transforms complex datasets into interactive knowledge graphs for intelligence and investigation. Built on CERN's Collaboration Spotting X technology, finalist in armasuisse's 2025 Cyber Startup Challenge.

Swiss counter-drone startup developing the WASP autonomous kinetic interceptor system to defeat Group 1-2 UAVs. Founded by former Rheinmetall Skyranger lead engineer, tested with Armasuisse in alpine conditions. HIVE launcher stacks 64 interceptors controlled by one operator.

Geneva-based quantum technology pioneer producing quantum key distribution systems, quantum random number generators, and single-photon detection devices. Founded in 2001 as a University of Geneva spin-off, now part of IonQ, with 150+ employees including 70 quantum physicists and engineers.

Technology company developing cutting-edge emergency communication solutions and portable cellular networks for disaster response and remote connectivity.

Advanced live-fire training technology with ALPHA Technology. Precision training systems for military applications.

Secure collaborative analytics platform enabling privacy-preserving computation on sensitive defence and intelligence data. EPFL spinoff.

Swiss SIGINT specialist developing radio signal decoding and spectrum monitoring systems for 40 years. Products include the W-SPECTRA automatic monitoring system and multi-channel decoder hardware, used by government agencies and defence organizations worldwide.