Switzerland to purchase new medium-range air defense systems by late 2024.

On April 30, 2024, the Swiss Federal Office for Defense Procurement, Armasuisse, officially issued a request for proposals to three manufacturers for the procurement of new medium-range ground-based air defense systems for the Bodluv MR project. This move is part of a broader effort by the Swiss Army to update its aging air defense capabilities, with the deadline for proposal submissions set for mid-July 2024.
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Existing systems in service with the Swiss Army, like the Stinger and M Flab Kan 63/90, are limited by their short range, increasingly inadequate against modern combat aircraft that operate from greater heights and distances. (Picture source: Swiss MoD)

The Bodluv MR project (bodengestützten Luftverteidigung mittlerer Reichweite, translated as medium-range ground-based air defense) aims to address the shortcomings of current Swiss air defense systems, which are nearing the end of their operational lifespan. Existing systems like the Stinger and Medium Anti-Aircraft (M Flab) are limited by their short range, increasingly inadequate against modern combat aircraft that operate from greater heights and distances. The replacement systems are expected to significantly enhance the Swiss Army's ability to defend its airspace.

Armasuisse has shortlisted three potential suppliers for these systems: Diehl Defence from Germany, a joint effort from Kongsberg of Norway and Raytheon of the USA, and MBDA from France. These companies were selected based on a thorough market analysis and their ability to meet extensive military, technical, and logistical requirements. The manufacturers are required to propose systems that have already proven effective in deployment. Proposals must detail the logistics, armament specifics, and any ongoing or planned offset projects, crucial for building domestic capabilities.

Among the contenders being considered for the Bodluv MR system, the German Diehl Defence's IRIS-T SLM, a ground-based air defense system based on the air-launched IRIS-T missile, is recognized for its operational effectiveness. It provides medium to long-range defense capabilities against aircraft, missiles, and UAVs with precision. Combining a high-performance radar and missile system with an advanced fire control system, the IRIS-T SLM can effectively target threats at various altitudes and distances. Successful tests conducted under realistic conditions have demonstrated its capability to engage multiple targets simultaneously with a high rate of success.

Alternatively, the NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) offered by the Norwegian Kongsberg in collaboration with the American Raytheon, is a highly adaptable medium-range air defense system. The NASAMS features a net-centric architecture, capable of multiple simultaneous engagements and integration into a country’s broader air and missile defense infrastructure. This system has been continuously updated to include newer missile variants like the AMRAAM-Extended Range, enhancing its capability to engage threats at greater distances and higher altitudes​.

Finally, MBDA, a European multinational missile manufacturer, could propose two air defense systems suitable for the Swiss Bodluv MR project. The Aster 30 SAMP/T system, which provides medium to long-range defense, is effective against various aerial threats including aircraft and UAVs, and was designed specifically for protecting strategic assets. On the other hand, the Enhanced Modular Air Defence Solutions (EMADS) system offers rapid deployment for high-value asset protection, can handle multiple threats concurrently, and is adaptable to different sensors and operational requirements, using the CAMM-ER, an extended range variant of the Common Anti-air Modular Missile (CAMM).

The selection process also emphasizes the importance of potential cooperation in training, maintenance, and support, which could benefit the Swiss defense industry. This aspect underscores a commitment to enhancing national defense capabilities through strategic partnerships and technological advancements.

Decisions regarding the type of system to be procured are scheduled for the third quarter of 2024, following a detailed evaluation of the received proposals. This timing aligns with the Swiss government's plans for rapid project execution, as influenced by recommendations from a 2020 Deloitte report advocating for expedited defense procurement processes. Currently, there is ongoing discussion in the Swiss Parliament about possibly accelerating the procurement timeline to coincide with the Army Message 2024, following suggestions from the Security Policy Commission of the Council of States.

Furthermore, Switzerland's participation in the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) is expected to enhance international cooperation opportunities, improving coordination in procurement, training, and logistical support in ground-based air defense. However, this participation will not preemptively determine the choice of air defense system type, ensuring that decisions remain grounded in comprehensive evaluation and national procurement policies.