The nation, famed for its neutrality, doesn’t even have its own army – but is now looking to ramp up its defences amid fears of World War III and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine
A European nation has ordered a massive investment into Cold War bunkers amid growing fears of a potential nuclear attack. The bunkers were originally installed in the 1960s when tensions were increased between the United States and Soviet Union.
Switzerland, which doesn’t have an army and is famed for its neutrality, has however decided the bunkers are in need of a revamp after some failed to meet conditions at a recent inspection. It comes 61 years after it decided every citizen should have access to a dedicated shelter in the event of a war breaking out.
With the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and increasing concerns about World War III, Switzerland appears ready to bolster its defences. According to the Huffington Post, the Swiss government plans to invest in upgrading these war shelters, which have never been used before.
These structures can accommodate local families, foreign nationals, and refugees. The 1963 law led to the creation of a vast network of reception centres integrated throughout Switzerland, located in private homes, apartment buildings, or communal spaces.
While these shelters often serve other purposes such as storage areas, wine cellars, or leisure rooms, their primary function remains the same – to protect people from missile attacks or radioactive fallout. However, recent 10-year inspections revealed that some shelters need maintenance and improvements, with issues like jammed doors, blocked ventilation, and obscured escape routes leading to fines for landowners.
The Swiss Federal Council is stepping up its game by proposing a budget boost for housing maintenance, from nine to a whopping 15 million Swiss Francs starting in 2027. This cash injection will go towards replacing parts of the shelters, ramping up ventilation, and making sure they’re ready to rock if war comes knocking, reports the Express.
It’s no secret that Switzerland has got enough shelter space for everyone, but the real pickle is getting the centres spread out evenly. Right now, five cantons – similar to counties or boroughs – are short on shelters.
Switzerland isn’t just about chocolate and watches; it’s also a big shot in bunker design, sharing its know-how with countries worldwide eager to build their own safe havens. The Swiss government is keen to show it’s serious about keeping its citizens safe by splashing out on these war shelters, especially as nuclear bunkers become all the rage with conflicts flaring up globally.
“In the coming years, the (Swiss) Confederation wants to remove some of the exceptions to the current rules and update some of the older shelters,” said Louis-Henri Delarageaz, civil protection honcho for the Vaud canton, chatting with the Evening Standard.
Meanwhile, Russia’s reportedly on the move, crafting mobile bomb shelters that can keep folks cosy for up to two days during a nuclear dust-up. And for those who fancy a bit more luxury with their apocalypse, some private companies are dishing out swanky nuclear bunkers kitted out with all the bells and whistles.
