armasuisse performs trials for defence against minidrones

Bern, 03.09.2024 - During August and September 2024, the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse is performing trials for defence against minidrones with several systems. The trials are intended to provide insights on the efficiency of the drone defence systems. The aim of this procurement project is to systematically establish capabilities in drone defence within the framework of the Army Dispatch 2027.

Between 26 August and 20 September 2024, the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse is testing various domestic and foreign systems for defence against minidrones, supported by the group Defence and the RUAG. Over a period of four weeks, each system will undergo various standardised scenarios and missions. The goal of this procedure is to evaluate the suitability as well as the efficiency of the systems chosen for the trials in various different threat scenarios.

The missions range from simple recognition scenarios to complex tasks which specifically challenge the weaknesses of the defence systems.

Focus on command and control systems

The trials of the first two weeks (26 August to 6 September 2024) are taking place on the terrain of the Payerne military airfield in the Canton of Vaud. The trials are focusing on sensory analysis and the command and control systems (command and control, C2), the core of a drone defence system. A key objective of the trials is to assess the efficiency of command and control systems. To be able to ensure subsequent integration of new sensor and effector technologies, particular attention is being paid to the flexibility of the command and control systems. This ensures that drone defence is always maintained at the state-of-the-art.

Use of effectors in the electromagnetic spectrum and of small systems

The trials of the last two weeks (9 to 20 September 2024) will take place on the former military airfield in St. Stephan, Canton of Bern. The focus of the first phase is on effectors in the electromagnetic spectrum, to collect further insights in this area. Effectors can take specific measures to neutralise a drone or to render it harmless.

In the second phase, however, the focus is on tests with various small systems which also function in the electromagnetic spectrum. These consist of few components, are highly mobile and accordingly can be used flexibly. Among other usages, these systems can thus support emergency services, which can use them for protection at events, for example.

Outlook

The trials aim to provide insights into the current development status of the tested drone defence systems. The knowledge gained forms an important basis for the further steps in the procurement process of possible systems and thus for closing the capability gap in defence against minidrones. After the collected data has been analysed, selected systems will then also be tested with the forces. With the Armed Forces Dispatch 2027, it is planned to procure an efficient and sustainable drone defence system to strengthen the defence capability of the Swiss Armed Forces and make a contribution to the security of Switzerland.

Address for enquiries

Kaj-Gunnar Sievert
Head of Communications armasuisse
+41 58 464 62 47