This is a list of weapons, vehicles and aircraft used by the Swiss Army.
Model | Image | Origin | Type | Caliber | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Combat Knife | |||||
Stgw 90 Bayonet | Switzerland | Bayonet | — | Wenger knife [1] | |
Handguns | |||||
SIG P 220 "Pistol 75" | Switzerland | Semi-automatic pistol | 9×19mm Parabellum | It replaced the Sig P210. [2] [3] It has been replaced in some specialised functions by the Pistol 03, and by the troops with the Pistol 12/15, but some might be in use today. [4] | |
SIG Pro SPC 2009 "Pistol 03" | Switzerland | Semi-automatic pistol | 9×19mm Parabellum | Successor to the Pistol 75 in some special functions, this weapon was not attributed to the troop but to the units, such as the special forces (Swiss Grenadiers, ARD 10, FSK-17) and the military police. [2] | |
Glock 17 "Pistol 12/15 Standard" | Austria | Semi-automatic pistol | 9×19mm Parabellum | Glock 17 gen 4, successor to the Pistol 03 in special functions, and successor to the Pistol 75 as the standard issued pistol in the Swiss Army. This weapon is issued to career officers, non-commissioned officers, special forces (Swiss Grenadiers, ARD 10, FSK-17) as a secondary weapon. [5] | |
Glock 26 "Pistol 12 Kurz" | Austria | Semi-automatic pistol | 9×19mm Parabellum | Glock 26 gen 4, successor to the Pistol 03 and the Pistol 75 as the short variant of the pistol in the Swiss Army. It is the primary weapon for the military police and mechanics in the army. [5] | |
Submachine guns | |||||
Heckler & Koch MP5 "Machinenpistole" | | West Germany Germany Switzerland | Submachine gun | 9×19mm Parabellum | Several variants used over times to answer specific needs.
|
B&T MP9-N "Machinenpistole 14" (Mp 14) | Switzerland | Submachine gun | 9×19mm Parabellum | Used as personal defence weapon for units unlikely to see combat, such as cooks and headquarters staff. [7] | |
Assault rifles & Battle rifles | |||||
SIG 550 "Sturmgewehr 90" (Stgw 90) | | Switzerland | Assault rifle | GP 90 | Standard issue assault rifle in service in the Swiss Arm, successor to the Stgw 57, it was introduced from 1988. [8] A total of 600,000 rifles have been produced for the Swiss Army. [8] |
SIG 552 "Sturmgewehr 04" (Stgw 04) | Switzerland | Carabine | GP 90 | Shortened version of the Sig 550, in use with the Swiss Grenadiers, ARD 10, FSK-17 .It partially replaced the MP5. [9] | |
SIG 553 "Sturmgewehr 07" (Stgw 07) | Switzerland | Carabine | GP 90 | Shortened version of the Sig 550, in use with the Swiss Grenadiers, ARD 10, FSK-17 and the Military Police, it partially replaced the MP5. [9] | |
Machine guns | |||||
FN Minimi "Leichtes Maschinengewehr 05" (Lmg 05) | Belgium | Light machine gun | GP 90 |
| |
W+F MG 51 /71 "Maschinengewehr 51" (Mg 51/71) | | Switzerland | General-purpose machine gun | GP 11 (7.5×55mm Swiss) | Manufactured by the Waffenfabrik Bern, it is a derivative of the MG 42. It is used as:
|
M2 Browning "Maschinengewehr 63 / 93" (Mg 63/93) | | United States Belgium | Heavy machine gun | 12.7×99mm NATO | Equipped on the Piranha II in the Swiss Army [11] |
M2 Browning "Maschinengewehr 07" (Mg 07) | | United States Belgium | Heavy machine gun | 12.7×99mm NATO | Used with Kongsberg protector on the following vehicles:
Also mounted on a manual turret on the LIV (SO) Serval of the ARD 10. |
Designated marksman rifles & Sniper rifles | |||||
SIG 550 "Sturmgewehr 90" (SSGw 90) | — | Switzerland | Designated marksman rifle | GP 90 | Designated marksman in infantry troops, using the standard Stgw90 , equipped with a 4x24 Zielfernrohr scope from Kern, with an expected range of 600 m. [17] |
SIG 751 SAPR "Zielfernrohr Sturmgewehr 12" (Zf Stgw 12) | — | Switzerland | Designated marksman rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | Used with AAD10 and MP Spez Det (military police special detachment). A successor seems to have entered service with the LMT MWS. [18] Rifle equipped with scope Schmidt & Bender 3-20×50 PM II. |
LMT MWS MARS-H "Zielfernrohr Sturmgewehr 20" (Zf Stgw 20) | United States | Designated marksman rifle | 6.5×48mm Creedmore, or | Used with ARD 10 and MP Spez Det (military police special detachment). [18] Rifle equipped with scope Schmidt & Bender 3-20×50 PM II. | |
Sako TRG-42 "Scharfschützengewehr 04" (SSGw 04) | Finland | Bolt action, sniper rifle | 8.6 mm Gw Pat 04,Gw Pat 05 HK,Gw Pat 06 TC | 196 ordered in 2004, all delivered by end 2005 [19] [20] It is equipped with the Schmidt & Bender 3-12 scope (3-12x50 PMII), generally used at 10x power at night and 6x by day, and the RLV 0 5 night vision device from Simrad Optronics. [17] It is being replaced by the Scharfschützengewehr 18. | |
Scharfschützengewehr 18 (SSGw 18) | — | — | Bolt action, | 8.6 mm Gw Pat 04,Gw Pat 05 HK,Gw Pat 06 TC | Successor to the SSGw 04, being replaced from 2021 to 2023 and mentioned in the armament program 2021. [21] No information regarding the rifle purchased, but it could be the B&T APR308 / 338 as it was tested by the Swiss Army. [22] |
Sako TRG-42 | — | — | Bolt action, | 8.6 mm Gw Pat 04,Gw Pat 05 HK,Gw Pat 06 TC | Variant observed with the ARD 10 equipped with a different chassis, the "APO Saber Alloy SKO-42A1 MOD-1", and with a scope and a night vision module. [23] |
PGM Hécate II "Präzisionsschützengewehr 04 " (PSg 04) | France | Bolt action, anti-material rifle | 12.7×99mm NATO | 20 ordered, and used by the Special forces (ARD 10 and the Mountain Grenadiers) It is equipped with the scope LTE J10 F1 8-10x from Scrome. The ammunition used is the Panzer Spreng-Patrone 92. [17] | |
Miscellaneous firearms | |||||
Remington Model 870 "Mehrzweckgewehr" | United States | Pump action shotgun | 12 gauge | Used by the military police, grenadiers, aviation field surveillance troops. [24] | |
Heckler & Koch P2A1 "Raketenpistolen 78HK" | Switzerland Germany | Signal pistol | 26.5mm | Licensed production by the Waffenfabrik Bern [25] |
Model | Image | Origin | Type | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Grenades | ||||
RUAG HG 85 | Switzerland | Hand grenade | Successor of the HG 43 [26] Training and explosive variants used by the army. [27] Armament Program 1985, acquisition of 1.5 million grenades, and some others for training. [28] Armament Program 2015, budget of CHF 38.9 million to replace 1 million of detonator. [29] | |
SIG GL 5040 "Gewehraufsatz 97" | Switzerland | Under barrel grenade launcher, 40×46mm LV | Used by the grenadiers and fusiliers. | |
B&T GL06 "Mehrzweckwerfer 10" | Switzerland | Grenade launcher, 40×46mm LV | Used by the military police since 2015. | |
Rocket launchers and anti-tank missiles | ||||
M72 LAW Mk 2 | Norway United States | Rocket-propelled grenade | Ordered with the Armament Program 2016, budget CHF 2 million. [30] Selected for short-range light armour engagement, to be used by infantry forces. [31]
| |
RGW 90 HH | Germany Israel Singapore | Anti-tank rocket launcher | Ordered with the Armament Program 2016, budget CHF 89 million. [30] Selected to be used against structures, and vehicle lighter than IFV at rather short range. [31]
| |
Panzerfaust 3 | Germany | Rocket-propelled grenade | 110mm [34] | |
NLAW | United Kingdom Sweden Switzerland | Short-range Anti-tank guided missile | Ordered with the Armament Program 2016, budget CHF 140 million. [30] 4,000 ordered in 2016 with the armament program. Selected as the future anti-tank missile. [31] [35] | |
BGM-71 TOW-2 | United States | Anti-tank guided missile | 400 launchers, 12,000 missiles ordered in 1986 (USD $209 million) [36] Only used with the tank hunter Piranha 2 6x6, to be retired in the following years. [37] | |
Land mines | ||||
Richtladung 96 light | Switzerland | Directional light mine | Can be used against un-protected vehicles up to 50 m. [38] Modified after ratification of Ottawa treaty in 2000 to prevent the indiscriminatory effect. [39] | |
Richtladung 96 heavy | Switzerland | Directional heavy mine | Can be used against un-protected vehicles up to 150 m, 2 splinters per square meter at 150 m. [38] Modified after ratification of Ottawa treaty in 2000 to prevent the indiscriminatory effect. [39] | |
HPD-2 mine "Panzerabwehrmine 88" (Pzaw Mi 88) | France | Anti-tank mine | According to the Swiss government, it complies with the Ottawa treaty as it discriminates weights typical of military vehicle classes. [39] |
Model | Image | Origin | Type | Entered service | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schuberth Gefechtshelm M92 "Schutzhelm 04" | Germany | Combat helmet | 2006 | 105,000 | Ordered with the Armament Program 2004, CHF35 million budget, to enter service in 2006 [40] [41] | |
Ops-Core FAST Helmet | United States | Combat helmet | — | — | Used by the Army Reconnaissance Detachment 10. | |
Modular ballistic protection "Ballistischer Körperschutz 18" | — | Belgium Switzerland | Bulletproof vest | 2022 | 100,000 | Ordered with the Armament Program 2018, budget CHF 199.2 million [42] Supplied by Seyntex N.V. and SSZ Equipment SA [43] |
Combat Clothing2006 "Kampfbekleidung 90/06" | Switzerland | Combat uniform | 2006 | — | Using the TAZ 90 camouflage. | |
Modulat combat clothing system 18 "MBAS Program, Kampfbekleidung 18" | Switzerland Belgium Italy | Combat uniform | 2022 | 100,000 | Ordered with the Armament Program 2018, budget CHF 377 million. [42] This program includes the combat clothing, the modular bags, the hydration systems, and a ballistic protection (199.2 million). Using the TAZ 16 camouflage. (mostly Swiss suppliers) [43] | |
Paul Boyé Technologies "ABC Einsatzanzüge 21" | Illustration | France | NBC protection suit level 4 | 2023 | 160,000 | Purchased with the Armament Program 2021, budget CHF 120 million. [44] [45] The equipment includes the suit. a mask, gloves and overboots. 30'000 protection suits and 3,300 training suits delivered as of 2023. [46] |
Paul Boyé Technologies "ABC Ausbildungsanzüge" | NBC training suit | 2023 | 57,000 | |||
AKU Tactical ® "Kampfstielel Schwer 19" (KS 19) | — | Italy | Combat boots | 2021 | 75,000 | New standard combat shoes, ordered with the Armament Program 2019. Replacement of the old combat shoes (KS90). [47] |
AKU Tactical ® "Kampfstielel Schwer 14 GTX®" (KS 14) | Italy | Combat boots | 2016 | — | Purchased for professional soldiers [48] | |
Meindl "Kampfstielel Schwer 08 AGFA" (KS 08) | Germany | Combat boots | 2010 | — | Purchased for professional soldiers |
Model | Image | Origin | Type | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VarioRay LLM "Laser-Licht-Modul 19" (LLM19) | Germany | Laser sight Tactical light | 9'640 | Made by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics GmbH Ordered with the Armament Program 2019, to replace the REM096, delivered in 2020–2022. [49] [50] | |
LEICA BIG 25 "Restlichtverstärker 95/19" (RLV95/19) | — | Switzerland | Night vision goggles (3rd generation) | 5'700 | Acquired with the Armament Program 1995, modified by Safran Vectronix with the Armament Program 2019 with 4G image intensifier tubes supplied by Photonis. [51] |
new NYX™ "Restlichtverstärker 19" (RLV19) | Illustration (AN PVS-31D, derived from NYX), | Greece Switzerland | Night vision goggles (4th generation) | 8'385 | Designed by Theon Sensors and manufactured by Safran Vectronix AG, equipped with 4G image intensifier tubes supplied by Photonis. |
L3Harris GPNVG-18 | Illustration | United States | Night vision goggles (4th generation) | — | Used with ARD 10. [53] |
Safran MOSKITO TI™ "Wärmebildgeräte Medium Range 19" (WBG MR 19) | Switzerland | Multifunction IR goggles (laser range finder, laser pointer, compass, inclinometers) | 340 | Designed and madeby Safran Vectronix AG, ordered with the Armament Program 2019. Used as an observation tool, can be used to transmit images to command. [51] [54] [55] | |
Safran JIM Compact™ "Wärmebildgeräte Long Range 19" (WBG LR 19, sensor for TASYS SMALL) | Switzerland | Multifunction IR goggles (laser range finder, laser pointer, GPS, inclinometers) | 700 | Designed and made by Safran Vectronix AG, ordered with the Armament Program 2019 . To equip all artillery reconnaissance vehicle (Eagle V 6x6, Eagle III Mech Aufkl, Eagle III Schiesskdt and MB 300 TASYS Klein). [51] [54] [55] |
Name | Image | Origin | Type | Equipment | Quantity acquired | Entered service | In service (2023) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Leopard 2A4 "Panzer 87 WE" (Pz 87 WE) [4] | West Germany Switzerland | Main battle tank | Rh-120 L/44 Electric turret | 380 | 1987 | 134 | 134 Panzer 87 modernised to standard Panzer 87 WE through the Armament Program 2006, converted in 2009–2011, in active service since 2011. [56] 71 Leopard 2A4 remaining in reserve, potential | |
CV9030 CH "Schützenpanzer 2000" (Spz 2000) | Sweden Switzerland | IFV | 154 | 2003 | 186 | Purchased with the Armament Program 2000, budget CHF 990 million. [57] Modernisation of the CV90 through the Armement Program 2020, budget CHF 438 million. [58] Option for 124 additional CV9030 was never confirmed. [59] | ||
CV9030 CH "Kommando Schützenpanzer 2000" (Kdo Spz 2000) | IFV Command Post | 32 | ||||||
CV9030 CH "Ausbildungsmittel Spz. 2000" | Sweden Switzerland | Instruction equipment | 7 turrets 3 chassis | — | 7 | Purchased with the Complementary Armament Program 2002, budget CHF 37 million, used only to train the troop and the mechanics [60] (7 turrets and 3 chassis) | ||
Mowag Piranha IB 6×6 "Panzerjäger 90 " (Pzj TOW 6×6) | Switzerland Norway | Tank hunter | 310 | 1990 | 106 | Vehicles equipped with a NM142 turret (Norwegian design), armed with 2 BGM-71 TOW. To be retired from 2023 to 2025. [42] 200 modified in other variants, 2 destroyed in accident, 2 sold to police Geneva. |
Name | Image | Origin | Type | Acquired new | Entered service | In service (2023) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M113 A1 "SchützPanzer 63/07 Rpe" (SPz 63/07 Rpe) | — | United States Switzerland | APC Armoured personnel carrier | 1,250 [36] | 2008 | 40 | SE-235 / m2+ / m1 [61] |
M113 A1 "Kommando Panzer 63/07" (Kdo Pz 63/07) | United States Switzerland | Command vehicle | 2008 | 50 | SE-235 / m2+ / m1 [62] To be replaced by Mowag Eagle V 6×6, the order is to be placed in 2 batches (2024 [63] and 2026 [64] ) | ||
M113 A1 "Kommando Panzer Artillerie 63/97" (Kdo Pz Art 63/97) | United States Switzerland | Artillery command post | 1998 | 35 | SE-235 / m2+ / m1 GPS / INTAFF [65] | ||
M113 A1 "Feuerleitpanzer 63/97" (Flt Pz 63/97) | United States Switzerland | Fire direction vehicle | 1998 | 53 | SE-235 / m2+ / m1 / INTAFF [66] | ||
MowagPiranha IB 6×6 "Kommando Panzer 6×6 gl" (Kdo Pz 6×6) | Switzerland | Command vehicle | 0 | 2008 | 160 | Converted from Panzerjäger 90 with the Armament Program 2006, budget CHF126 million [67] Turret M153 Protector with M2 Browning (Mg 07). | |
Mowag Piranha IB 6×6 "Sanitätspanzer " | Switzerland | Armoured ambulance | 0 | 2006 | 40 | Converted from Panzerjäger 90 with the Armament Program 2005, budget CHF 38 million [68] [69] | |
Mowag Piranha IB 6×6 "Panzerjäger Fahrschule" | — | Switzerland | Driver training vehicle | 4 | — | 4 | Driver training vehicle [70] |
Mowag Piranha IIC 8×8 "Radschützenpanzer 93 " (Spz 93) | Switzerland | APC Armoured personnel carrier | 282 | 1995 | 515 | 515 Piranha II 8×8. in 4 variants, CHF 721 million Armament Program:
Equipment: | |
Mowag Piranha IIC 8×8 "PAL Pz 93" | Switzerland | APC Armoured personnel carrier | 141 | 1995 | |||
Mowag Piranha IIC 8×8 "Kommado Panzer 93/99" (Kdo Pz 93/99) | Switzerland | Command vehicle | 92 | 1995 | |||
Mowag Piranha IIC 8×8 "Kommando Panzer 93/99 INTAFF" (Kdo Pz 93/99 INTAFF) | Switzerland | Artillery command post | |||||
Mowag Piranha IIC 8×8 "Schützpanzer 93 Fahrschule" (Spz 93 Fahrschule) | Switzerland | Driver training vehicle | 5 | 1995 | 5 | Driver training vehicle [74] | |
Mowag Piranha IIC 8×8 "Schützpanzer 93 Militärpolizei" (Spz Pz 93 Militärpolizei) | Switzerland | APC Armoured personnel carrier | 8 | 1998 | 8 | Military police vehicle [75] | |
Mowag Piranha IIIC 8×8 "Führung Panzer FIS/HE" (FHR Pz FIS/HE) (FIS=Command Information System) | Switzerland | Command vehicle | 6 | 2005 | 6 | Ordered with the Armament Program 2002. Armed with M2 Browning (Mg 63/93) [76] | |
Mowag Piranha IIIC 8×8 "Führung Panzer FIS/HE INTAFF" (FHR Pz FIS/HE INTAFF) | Switzerland | Artillery command post | 6 | 2011 | 6 | Ordered with the Armament Program 2007. Artillery Command, also known as Fire Management Center [77] [78] | |
Mowag Duro IIIP 6×6 "Duro Geschütztes Mannschaftstransportfahrzeug" (Duro GMTF) | Switzerland | APC Armoured personnel carrier | 407 | 2010 | 417 | 420 Mowag Duro IIIP 6×6 in 3 variants, CHF 740 million Armament program:
3 GMTF lost over accidents. [82] Protector RCWS for the GMTF variant. 72 GMTF equipped with FIS HE command information system. [83] | |
Mowag Duro IIIP 6×6 "Duro GMTF SWISSINT KFOR" | — | Switzerland | APC Armoured personnel carrier | 6 | 2010 | ||
Mowag Duro IIIP 6×6 "Duro GMTF SWISSINT KFOR Ambulance" | Switzerland | Armoured ambulance | 4 | 2010 | |||
Mowag Eagle II "Aufklärungsfahrzeug 97/06" | Switzerland | Armoured reconnaissance vehicle | 175 | 1997 | 171 | Ordered with the Armament Program 1997, budget CHF 99 million. [84] Modernised in 2006, 4 decommissioned after accident. [85] | |
Mowag Eagle III "Schiesskommandanten Fahrzeug INTAFF"(SKdt Fz INTAFF) | Switzerland | Artillery observer vehicle and artillery command post | 120 | 2003 | 119 | Ordered with the Armament Program 2000, budget CHF 166 million. [85] | |
ACS Enok 5.4 Swissint "Panzer Wagen, Mercedes-Benz G300 CDI 4×4" | (Illustration, painted white) | Germany | Armoured patrol vehicle | Unknown | — | — | Purchased for peace keeping missions for Swissint. Known to be used with the Swisscoy mission. [86] [87] [88] |
AGF Serval "Leicht Aufklärung Fahrzeug 06" (LAuF 06) | Germany | Light reconnaissance vehicle | Unknown | 2007 | — | Light reconnaissance and support vehicle used by AAD10, supplied in 2007. [89] Equipped with RLS 609CH mount for M2 Browning and MG 51 /71. To be replaced by the LAUF 20 |
Name | Image | Origin | Type | Acquired | Entered service | In service (2023) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BPz3 Büffel "Bergpanzer Büffel" (BPz Büffel) | Germany | ARV (Armoured recovery vehicle) | 0 | 2004 | 25 | Converted from Panzer 87 with the Armament Program 2001, budget CHF 179 million [90] | |
Leguan "Brückenpanzer Leo" | Germany | AVLB (Armoured vehicle-launched bridge) | 0 | 2020 | 12 | Converted from Panzer 87 with the Armament Program 2014, budget CHF 179 million (last being delivered in 2023) [91] [90] The order includes a military section:
A civilian section:
| |
AEV 3 Kodiak "Geniepanzer Kodiak" | Germany Switzerland | AEV (Armoured engineering vehicle) | 0 | 2008 | 12 | Converted from Panzer 87 with the Armament Program2004, budget CHF 129 million [92] | |
M113 A1 "Sappeur Panzer 63/05" (Sap Pz 63/05) | United States Switzerland | Sapper vehicle | — | 2005 | 60 | SE-235 / m1. [93] Replacement planned with Mowag Piranha IV PI PZ 21 (Pionier Panzerfahrzeug 21) [94] | |
M113 A1 "Minenräumpanzer 63/00" (Mirm Pz 63/00) | United States Switzerland | Mine plow | — | 2003 | 12 | Ordered with Armament Program 2000. [95] Replacement planned with Mowag Piranha IV PI PZ 21 (Pionier Panzerfahrzeug 21) [94] | |
MowagDuro IIIP "EOD/KAMIBES" | — | Switzerland | EOD (Explosive ordinance disposal) | 5 | 2008 | 5 | 5 DURO–3P Explosive Ordinance Disposal EOD (5 delivered in 2008) [96] |
Telerob tEODor | Germany | EOD robot (Explosive ordinance disposal) | 5 | — | 5 | Equipping the Mowag Duro IIIP EOD [96] | |
MowagEagle V "EOD" | Switzerland | EOD (Explosive ordinance disposal) | 5 | 2015 | 5 | Equipped with PackBot [97] | |
Endeavor Robotics PackBot | United States | EOD robot (Explosive ordinance disposal) | 5 | — | 5 | Equipping the Mowag Eagle V EOD [97] [98] |
Name | Image | Origin | Type | Acquired | Entered service | In service (2023) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Piranha IIIC 8×8 "ABC-Aufklärungsfahrzeug 08 " (ABC Aufkl Fz 08) | Switzerland | CBRN (Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) | 12 | 2015 | 12 | Ordered with the Armament Program 2008, budget CHF 70 million [79] + 25 million (including new tech, Armament program 2011 [99] ). Equipped with Protector RCWS with Mg 07. Protected by 3 additional ballistic armour modules STANAG level 4 [100] | |
Duro IIIP "Duro ABC Nachweis Fahrzeug"(Nachweis Fz ABC Abw) | | Switzerland | CBRN (Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) | 12 | 2015 | 12 | Ordered with the Armament Program 2008, budget CHF 47 million. [79] Divided in 4 teams with each
Equipped with RCWS Protector with Mg 07 [83] |
ACS Enok 5.4 "Radiometrie Wagen L22, Mercedes-Benz G280 CDI 4×4" | Germany | Radiology reconnaissance vehicle | 4 | — | 4 | Equips the ABC Defense Battalion 10 [101] [102] [103] |
Name | Image | Origin | Type | Acquired | Entered service | In service (2023) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Piranha IIIC 8×8 "Radio Access Point Pz" (RAP Pz) | | Switzerland | Mobile radio transmission with wire communication system | 36 | 2005 | 36 | Ordered with the Armament program 2002, with a budget of CHF120 million. [104] 13 m high antennas, with 2 R-905 directional antennas, used as the bridge between the wire based communication system IMFS and the radio system SE-235 |
Piranha IIIC 8×8 "Mehrzweck-Sender IFASS", (Mzs Pz SE-630) | Switzerland | Multi-purpose transmitter | 8 | 2012 | 8 | Ordered with the Armament Program 2007. [105] In service since 2012. IFASS multi-use emitter. | |
Piranha IIIC 8×8 "KOMPAK Pz" | | Switzerland | Communication hub vehicle | 12 | 2014 | 12 | Ordered with the Armament Program 2007. [105] Equipment:
|
Piranha IIIC 8×8 "Kommunikation Panzer" (KOMM Pz) | Switzerland | Communication hub vehicle | 8 | 2010 | 8 | Ordered with the Armament Program 2009 [107] |
Name | Image | Origin | Type | Calibre | Acquired | Entered service | In service (2023) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M-109KAWEST WE | United States Switzerland | Self-propelled howitzer | 155 mm L/47 | 581 | 2009 | 133 | The remaining M109 are all at the standard M-109 KAWEST WE. [108] | |
12 cm Mortar 74 "12 cm Minenwerfer 74" | Switzerland | Heavy mortar | 120 mm | 320 | 1991–92 | — | Modernised variant in service since the 1990s. [109] | |
Expal MX2 KM 81 mm "8.1cm Mörser 19" | Spain | Mortar | 81 mm | 300 | 2021 | 300 (by end 2023) | Purchased with the armament program for 118 million Swiss francs: [110] [111]
| |
6 cm Mortar 87 "6 cm Werfer 87" | Switzerland | Infantry mortars | 60 mm | 5,500 | 1990 | — | 5'500 of those mortars were initially ordered, their number today is unknown, range 250 – 1,000 meters. [109] |
Model | Image | Origin | Type | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Elbit laptop "INTAFF 15" | — | Israel | Artillery command equipment | — | Ordered to support the M109 Kawest WE [112] [113] |
Panasonic CF-20 Toughpad "TARANIS SMS Scouts" | [114] | Germany Japan | Observation and fire control computer (laptop) | 520 | Ordered to equip the 8.1 cm Mörser 19 [115] Equipped with the TARANIS system for mortar fire control system (derivative of system ESG FÜWES ADLER III) [116] |
Panasonic FZ-M1 Toughpad "TARANIS SMS ballistic" | [117] | Germany Japan | Ballistic computer (tablet) | 320 | Ordered to support the 8.1 cm Mörser 19 [115] |
Radio "SE-189/ + small radios" | — | — | Radio with data transmission | 120 / 1120 | Ordered to support the 8.1 cm Mörser 19 [115] Civilian radio used as a transition solution until the service of the TASYS system [111] |
Hirtenberger Defense ELectronic Aiming Device "ELAD" | — | Austria | Mortar electronic aiming device | 300 | Delivered between 2021 and 2023 for the Expal MX2 KM 81 mm. [118] |
Program | Image | Origin | Type | In service from | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AN/TPS-75 FLORES | United States France | Air surveillance radar, 3D radar, PESA | 2004 | 4 | 4 radar sites, Mount Pilatus, Scopi, Weisshorn and Weissfluh made by Thales Raytheon Systems. [119] Modernised in 2022. [120] Feeding the FLORAK0 radar system. | |
AN/TPS-70 "Tactical Flight Radar" (TAFLIR) | United States | Mobile air surveillance radar, 3D radar, PESA, s-band | 1985 | 5 | Feeding the FLORAK0 radar system. [121] To be replaced by the Tmob Radar MR. [122] | |
Hensoldt ASR-S "Flugplatz Luftraum Überwachungsradar" (FLUR) | (illustration) | Germany | Airport Surveillance Radar | ― | 5 | Ordered with the Armament program 2009, supplied by Hensoldt and EADS Cassidian. Installed at the air bases of Payerne, Emmen, Locarno, Meiringen and Sion. |
Selex PAR 2090 CF "Militärisches Anflugleitsystem Plus" (MALS Plus) | Italy | Precision Approach Radar | ― | 6 | Ordered with the Armament program 2009, supplied by Selex, through EADS Cassidian. [125] [126] [127] Installed at the air bases of Payerne, Emmen, Locarno, Meiringen, Sion. Replaces QUADRADAR |
Program | Image | Origin | Type | In service from | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FIM-92 Stinger Leichtes Fliegerabwehr-Lenkwaffensystem Stinger | United States | MANPAD | 1994 | 3,500 missiles 480 launchers | Manufactured under licence by Eidg. Flugzeugwerk Emmen F+W (RUAG today) [128] [129] | |
AN/PPQ-2 "PSTAR" radar (Portable Search and Target Acquisition Radar) "Alert STI" | United States | Trailer equipped with 3D short range radar | 2002 | 24 | Ordered with the Armament program 2002, budget CHF70 million to Lockheed Martin NE&SS-Radar Systems [130] [128] [131] Used as a surveillance system for the Stinger air-defence units. | |
GDF-005 modified 35 mm Fliegerabwehrkanonen 63/12. | Switzerland | Anti-air twin canon | ― | 24 | Modified from the GDF-001 / 002 (Fliegerabwehrkanonen 63) to make it compatible with the AHEAD ammunition. [132] [133] | |
Oerlikon Skyguard Feuerleitgerät 75/10 Skyguard (Flt Gt 75/10) | Switzerland | Fire control system | ― | ― | Fire control system of the GDF-005, equipped with radar and optical sensors. [133] |
Intermediate phase with a certain number of drones acquired to build up competences, experience and doctrine prior to a future step. [134] Intent to expend UAV use in 2024.
Model | Image | Origin | Type | Role | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Orbiter 2B | Israel | UAV, Fixed-wing, FLIR | ISTAR Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance | 3 | Ordered to Aeronautics Defense in 2020, budget for it included in the Armament Program 2019. [135] [136] At the moment, only used by professional military forces (special forces and artillery) [134] | |
ANAFI/T SE ANAFIThermal | France | Mini-UAV, Multicopter, FLIR | Training | 74 | Ordered to Parrot / SenseFly in 2020, budget for it included in the Armament Program 2019, and part of the program "Swiss Mini UAV Program” (Swiss MUAS). Purchased to be used as a training drone for the troops. [134] [137] [138] | |
Indago 3 | (illustration picture) | United States | Mini-UAV, Multicopter | ISR Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance | 7 | Ordered to LM in 2020, budget for it included in the Armament Program 2019. Planned to equip special forces, combat troops and rescue troops. [134] [139] [140] Equipment of Swiss variant:
|
DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced | China | Mini-UAV, Multicopter | EOD surveillance Explosive ordinance disposal | 4 | [142] | |
Black Hornet Nano | Norway | Nano-UAV, Helicopter, FLIR | ISR Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance | 19 | Ordered in 2020, budget for it included in the Armament Program 2019. [134] |
Program | Equipment | Type | Image | Origin | Quantity | Delivery | Cost | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vehicles | ||||||||
Aufklärungssystem TASYS | Mowag Eagle V 6×6 | Armoured reconnaissance vehicles | Switzerland | 100 | From 2024 | CHF 380 million | C2 system supplied by Elbit Systems, L3 Harris WESCAM MX™ - RSTA on mast 8 m high: [112]
INTAFF 15 for data transmission. | |
LAUF 20GRF Replacement of the AGF Serval LAUF | Defenture VECTOR | Light tactical vehicle | Netherlands | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Prototype delivered to Swiss Army in February 2021, meant to be supplied to the ARD 10, order confirmed in December 2023 (special forces) [146] [147] | |
Pionier Panzerfahrzeug 21 Replacement of M113 A1 Minenräumpanzer 63/00 and M113 A1 Sappeur Panzer 63/05 | Mowag Piranha IV | Armoured engineering vehicles | Switzerland | 84 | 2025 | CHF 577 million | 60 ordered in 2021, 24 in 2022. [148] Global Clearance Solutions supplies a quick coupler, dozer blades, manipulator arms. Pearson supplies mine ploughs. 24 drones part of the contract | |
Indirect Fire | ||||||||
12 cm Mörser 16 Recover capability abandoned in 2010 with the retiring of the M113 A1 Minenwerfer Panzer 64/91 | Mowag Piranha IV RUAG Cobra | Mortar carrier | Switzerland | 48 | 2024 | CHF 579 million | 32 Piranha IV Cobra ordered in 2016, 16 additional in 2022. [149] Additional trucks, and containers were ordered in 2022, but in unknown quantity. Command vehicles modified from existing fleet of Eagle III. | |
Iveco Trakker | Container armoured truck | (illustration picture) | Italy | 12 | ||||
Mowag Eagle III | Command vehicle | Switzerland | 16 | |||||
Ammunition container | ISO shipping containers (20 ft) | [150] | Switzerland | 36 | ||||
Air Force | ||||||||
Air 2030, Replacement of the F/A-18C/D Hornet and F-5E Tiger II "Air2030: Neues Kampfflugzeug" | F-35A | Swing role, | United States at least 24 assembled in Italy [151] | 36 | 2027 to 2030 | CHF 6'036 million, budget breakdown [152]
| A referendum could still lead to a cancellation of this purchase. | |
Air2030 BODLUV "Air2030 Bodengestütztes Luftverteidigungssystem grösserer Reichweite" | TOC-C "Tactical Operation Center Coordination" | Coordination | ― | United States | 3 | 2026 to 2028 | CHF 1.987 billion budget, Contract USD $1.2 billion | Coordination of the air-defence mission [153] |
AN/MSQ-132 Known as TOC-E in the Swiss Army "Tactical Operation Center Execution" | Engagement control station | United States | 5 | [154] [155] | ||||
AN/MPQ-65A | AESA Radar, with GaN solid-state transmitters, Semi-trailer | United States | 5 | Radar 360°, with a primary direction [156] | ||||
EPP RADAR-V | Electrical power plant for radar | (illustration of a different variant of the power plant) | Germany | 5 | Supplied by Vincorion [157] | |||
M903 | Launching station | United States | 17 | [156] | ||||
OE-349 Antenna Mast Group | UHF communications array | 7 | [156] | |||||
Raytheon MIM-104E GEM-T (PAC-2) | Long range surface-to-air missile (solid-state GaN transmitters for guidance system) | United States Germany | 70 | MBDA Deutschland GmbH will manufacture the GEM-T missiles for European clients of Raytheon [158] | ||||
Iveco MLT | Semi trucks and 8×8 trucks | (illustration of a Trakker semi-truck) | Italy | Around 42 | [159] [160] | |||
Air2030 BODLUV complement "Air2030 Bodengestütztes Luftverteidigungssystem grösserer Reichweite" | Lockheed Martin PAC-3 MSE | Medium range surface-to-air missile | United States | 72 | 2028 | CHF 300 million | Complementary missile order to Lockheed Martin in 2023, budget for it included in the Armament Program 2023, and part of the program "Air2030 BODLUV” [161] [162] [163] [164] |
Program | Equipment (pre) selected | Type | Image | Origin | Quantity | To enter service in | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Small arms | |||||||
BGM-71 TOW replacement | Spike LR2 | Anti-tank guided missile | Israel Germany | Unknown | ― | Successor selected in 2023. Financing and order with armament program 2024, budget CHF 200 million. [165] [166] | |
Vehicles | |||||||
M113A1 Kdo Pz 63/07 replacement "Führungsfahrzeug Kat. 3" | Mowag Eagle V (6×6) | Armoured command vehicle | (Illustration of base vehicle) | Switzerland | Unknown | 2026 | To be ordered in 2 batches: |
Indirect Fire | |||||||
M109KAWEST WE replacement "Artillerie Wirkplattform und Wirkmittel 2026" | Archer on Rheinmetall HX2 (8×8) | Self-propelled howitzer, 155 mm L/52 | Sweden Germany | Unknown | Around 2028 - 2030 |
| |
RCH 155 on Boxer (8×8) | Germany Netherlands | ||||||
RCH 155 on Piranha IV (10×10) | (Illustration of base vehicle) | Switzerland Germany | |||||
Electronic equipment for the Army | |||||||
Mobile tactical radars "Tmob Radar MR" | Unknown | Semi-mobile 3D radar | ― | ― | Unknown | 2031 |
|
Passive air surveillance radar | Unknown | Passive radar | (Illustration of a passive radar) | ― | Unknown | ― | Financing and order with armament program 2024, budget CHF 120 million. [166] |
UAV for the Army | |||||||
Mini UAV | Unknown | ISR Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance | (illustration picture) | ― | Unknown | ― | Financing and order with armament program 2024, budget CHF 20 million. [166] |
Air Force | |||||||
Bodluv MR Programme Replacement of M Flab (Rapier) | Diehl | Medium range air defence | ― | Germany | Unknown | ― | [169] [170]
Note: "ESSI participation doesn't preclude the system choice" The manufacturers received a request to offer a system adapted to the tender file. [171] |
Kongsberg / Raytheon | ― | Norway United States | |||||
MBDA (request to MBDA headquarter in France) | ― | France Italy |
Name | Image | Origin | Type | Removed from active service | In reserve (2023) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Leopard 2A4 "Panzer 87" | West Germany Switzerland | Main battle tank | 1987 | 71 | 2023, 71 in reserve after sale of 25 tanks to Rheinmetall in November 2023. [181] The army wishes to reactivate 46 tanks (12 for training, 34 to modernise for active service), and keep 25 tanks in reserve for spare parts. [56] | |
Eagle I "Aufklärungsfahrzeug 93" | Switzerland | Armoured reconnaissance vehicle | 1993 | 156 | Retired at the end of 2019 [85] |
The Swiss Armed Forces operates on land and in the air, serving as the primary armed forces of Switzerland. Under the country's militia system, regular soldiers constitute a small part of the military and the rest are conscripts or volunteers aged 19 to 34. Because of Switzerland's long history of neutrality, the Swiss Armed Forces do not take part in conflicts in other countries, but do participate in international peacekeeping missions. Switzerland is part of the NATO Partnership for Peace programme.
The Mowag Piranha is a family of armoured fighting vehicles designed by the Swiss company Mowag.
The Swiss Air Force is the air component of the Swiss Armed Forces, established on 31 July 1914, three days after the outbreak of World War I, as a part of the army and in October 1936 as an independent service.
The Mowag Eagle is a series of wheeled armoured vehicle designed by Mowag, a Swiss company now owned by GDELS.
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The Piranha IV is the fourth generation of the Piranha family of armoured vehicles by MOWAG GmbH. Its development started in the 2000s as a fully private venture. A first prototype was unveiled in 2001, and a second in 2004. This new version offered an increased volume inside the cabin, and a higher level of protection.
The Chief of the Armed Forces commands the Swiss Armed Forces in time of peace and reports directly to the head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports and to the Swiss Federal Council. The position was established in 2004.
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Philippe Rebord is a Swiss Lieutenant General. He served as the Chief of the Armed Forces beginning on 1 January 2017, succeeding André Blattmann. Rebord retired at the end of 2019 and was succeeded by Thomas Süssli.
The Saurer 6DM is a heavy truck manufactured by Adolph Saurer AG.
The Archiving Act (ArchA) (German: Archivierungsgesetz, BGA, French: Loi fédérale sur l’archivage, LAr, Italian: Legge sull’archiviazione, LAr), is a Swiss federal law that governs the management, preservation, and accessibility of public Swiss federal archives. It was adopted on 26 June 1998 by the Federal Assembly and came into force on 1 October 1999.
The Government and Administration Organisation Act (GAOA) (German: Regierungs- und Verwaltungsorganisationsgesetz, RVOG, French: Loi sur l’organisation du gouvernement et de l’administration, LOGA, Italian: Legge sull’organizzazione del Governo e dell’Amministrazione, LOGA), is a Swiss federal law that clarifies the provisions of the Swiss constitution (Title 5) on the rights, duties, tasks, organization and procedure of the Federal Council and the Federal Administration.
The Federal Act on the Reduction of CO2 Emissions (CO2 Act) (German: CO2-Gesetz, French: Loi sur le CO2, Italian: Legge sul CO2), is a Swiss federal law that regulates carbon dioxide emissions to mitigate climate change.
The Federal Consumer Credit Act, is a Swiss federal law that aims to increase the protection of borrowers against overindebtedness. The law covers consumer credits and leasing contracts to natural persons without professional or commercial intention, credit and loyalty cards as well as bank overdrafts.
The Federal Office for National Economic Supply (FONES) is the Swiss federal office responsible for national economic supply, working with the private sector to alleviate the effects of short-term shortages, notably by supervising compulsory stockpiling.
Asylum law in Switzerland is the responsibility of the Swiss Confederation, while the cantons are responsible for implementing the decisions of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
Switzerland's asylum residence permits are varied and grant very different rights. Any foreigner staying in Switzerland for more than three months must have a residence permit. On arrival in Switzerland, an asylum procedure can be opened by a simple request at an airport or border crossing. Since March 1, 2019, asylum procedures have been carried out in six areas of the country. A Federal Center for Asylum Seekers (CFA), responsible for procedural tasks, is located in each of them.
General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDLS) is an automotive and arms manufacturer spread across Europe, with a headquarter in Madrid, Spain. It is a business unit of General Dynamics which consolidated in one structure all European subsidiaries of GDLS.
The M109, a widely-used American howitzer, has been operated by the Swiss Armed Forces since 1971. Under Swiss operation, the M109 has received numerous modernisations, though it is gradually being phased out of service, as its service life is approaching its end.