Swiss Armed Forces

Between 31 March and 11 April 2025, the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse tested the TRML-4D sensor (radar) for the new medium-range ground-based air defence system in cooperation with the Swiss Armed Forces. A further step in the procurement process was achieved with the testing. The properties of the radar were tested in the specific Swiss topography and various investigations on frequency compatibility with civilian systems such as the weather radar were carried out. Testing took place alternately at the federally-owned “Homberg” and at the site of the Emmen aerodrome.

Due to its contributions in the fields of research and technology over the years as part of the Partnership for Peace, Switzerland has been invited by NATO to regularly attend the meetings of the Science and Technology Board (STB) of the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO) from March 2025 onwards. From 7 to 9 April 2025, Switzerland will be represented by the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse at the STB meeting in Brussels, where it will present its priorities in the area of research and technology development.

The radar sensors of the air surveillance and central dispatching system of the Swiss Air Force have been modernised. On 20 March 2025, armasuisse handed over the fourth and last completely rebuilt system of the Armed Forces for operational deployment. The conversion, which is being carried out as part of the “Radar” project, took place step by step at each location. The modernisation of the radar sensors was approved in the 2016 armament programme.

To strengthen security and increase the availability of spare parts for ground-based air defence, the Federal Council has approved Switzerland's participation in the NATO Support and Procurement Agency Patriot Support Partnership (NSPA PATRIOT SP). The partnership also includes maintenance, ammunition monitoring, technical, procurement, training and transportation support.

From 23 to 30 March Switzerland will be the global stage for the 5th Military World Winter Games under the aegis of the International Military Sports Council (CISM). Top-class Swiss and international military athletes will compete against each other in ten different disciplines. The competitions, which are being held under the motto ‘Military Champions for Peace’ hashtag #Lucerne2025, will take place at six venues, with Lucerne forming the organisational heart as host city.