The Swiss defence acquisition authority Armaswiss has shortlisted two Israeli Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for the next generation Swiss unmanned reconnaissance aircraft. The Heron 1 from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Hermes 900 proposed by Elbit Systems were the two systems shortlisted by the Swiss evaluation team, out of 11 potential systems considered for the programme. Flight evaluation is expected in Switzerland later this year with the submission of formal proposals planned for August. Final selection is expected by early 2014. Funding for the acquisition is included in the Swiss 2015 defense budget.The Swiss government has narrowed its source selection process for a new unmanned aircraft to the Elbit Systems Hermes 900 and the Israel Aerospace Industries Heron 1.
Both systems are designed to cope with weather conditions better than average MALE UAS, equipped with automatic takeoff and landing and deicing systems, enabling the UAS to fly through icing conditions that have already caused several losses to similar platforms in the past. Both UAS are currently operational with the Israel Air force and by several operators worldwide. The Swiss military has no current plans to arm the unmanned aircraft.
A flyoff is slated to take place in the second half of this year, with a type selection due in the first half of 2014. The system is to replace the Ruag Aerospace ADS 95 Ranger, which is reaching the end of its service life.
The purchase of the new system is slated to be part of the 2015 armaments spending plan.
Elbit and IAI have until August 2012 to submit detailed offers.
Switzerland is looking to use the system only for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, with no current plans to arm the unmanned aircraft. The system will be operated by the Swiss Air Force, which will be involved in the type selection along with Swiss armaments agency armasuisse.
Sources: Aviation Week, Defense Update