Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has announced plans to purchase 21 high speed trainsets for its international services, a fleet expansion aimed at cross-border routes connecting Switzerland with neighbouring European markets.

The order signals SBB's intention to strengthen its position in the growing international passenger market, where the operator competes with airlines and other rail companies on corridors linking Swiss cities with destinations in Germany, France, Italy and Austria.

SBB currently operates international services using a mixed fleet, including trainsets deployed jointly with partner operators on cross-border corridors. The planned addition of 21 high speed trainsets would expand capacity on these routes, allowing SBB to run longer and more frequent trains on its busiest international connections.

The procurement follows broader trends among European operators, several of which have announced fleet renewals and expansions to meet rising demand for international rail travel. Operators across the continent have reported passenger growth on cross-border corridors as travellers increasingly shift from air to rail on shorter and medium-distance routes.

SBB has not yet detailed the supplier, delivery schedule or contract value for the order. The operator is expected to launch a formal tender process, with major European rolling stock manufacturers likely to compete for the contract.

The 21 trainsets would supplement SBB's existing long-distance fleet and support the operator's stated goal of expanding international services, which it has identified as a strategic growth area alongside its domestic network.

Further details on the procurement, including vehicle specifications and deployment plans, are expected as the tender process progresses.