Switzerland plans to modernize its network of old nuclear shelters, which have become valuable assets amid growing uncertainty, particularly since Russia’s military operation in Ukraine and fears of a “world war.”

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According to the New York Post, Switzerland surpasses its neighbors, such as Germany, thanks to a 1963 law ensuring that each of its 9 million residents, including foreigners and refugees, has a place in a shelter protecting them from bombs and nuclear radiation.

Louis Henri Delarageaz, head of civil protection in the canton of Vaud, told Reuters: “In the coming years, the [Swiss] Confederation wants to remove some exceptions to current rules and update certain old shelters.”

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The government launched consultations in October to ensure “Switzerland’s resilience in the event of armed conflict” and plans to spend $250 million to upgrade existing structures.
He added: “This doesn’t mean we are preparing for conflict, but we have a network of shelters, and we need to maintain and ensure they are operational.”

Switzerland, which has stayed out of foreign wars since committing to neutrality in 1815, was nonetheless occupied by France in the 18th century and experienced aerial bombings during World War II.

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In 2022, following Russia’s operation in Ukraine, the Swiss Civil Protection Office received a significant increase in inquiries from worried residents about shelters.
“Suddenly… we were inundated with calls from people wanting to know the location of shelters, asking: ‘Where is my place? Is my shelter ready?’” Delarageaz explained, noting that requests from French citizens seeking a spot were rejected.

Near his office, there is an underground command center, an underground hospital with an operating room, and a shelter designed to protect works of art.

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Delarageaz concluded: “In Switzerland, we have foresight.” He cited a Latin proverb: “Si vis pacem, para bellum” (“If you want peace, prepare for war”).