Armasuisse, the Swiss Federal Office of Armament, has agreed with Elbit Systems Ltd. to continue with the acquisition of the ADS 15 surveillance and remote reconnaissance system, based on the remote piloting aircraft Hermes 900.
The purchase of the system was hampered by a series of problems that emerged during trials conducted in Switzerland.
Significant Compromises from Armasuisse
In order to not abandon the system, Armasuisse formally waived the implementation of three key functionalities on the Hermes 900/ADS 15 that were anticipated in the original requirements; the DAA automatic collision avoidance system, the GPS independent take-off and landing system, and the anti-icing system.
The lack of these systems was a long-standing block in the certification of the ADS 15 by Armasuisse, and the signing of the supply contract.
Needless to say, these heavy waivers will be accompanied by some limitations in the operational employment of the ADS 15 by the Swiss Air Force.
As compensation, Elbit Systems Ltd will shoulder the fixed maintenance contract costs for nine years, from 2024 to 2032; the related activities will be conducted directly in Switzerland by the Israeli industry.
The ADS 15 is intended to replace the 95 remote reconnaissance system utilized by Armasuisse up until the end of the previous decade.
The ADS 15 is expected to provide the following services: surveillance of wide areas; search, reconnaissance, and tracking of targets; contributions to the mission, infrastructure and force protection, as well as support to police forces and cantonal assistance services if required.
Source and photo credit @Armasuisse
