As a result of the delays, Israeli provider Elbit must pay contractual penalties, a spokesman for army procurement agency Armasuisse told SRF on Friday.
The reconnaissance drones, one of which was successfully tested in Switzerland in summer this year, will be ready and operational at the end of 2024, the spokesman confirmed. After the test flight, it had been hoped that two drones would be handed over to the air force by the end of this year, and the army would have all six by the end of 2023.
According to SRF, the cost of the six machines is now estimated at CHF300 million ($321 million). In June, there was still talk of CHF 250 million. Armasuisse said the additional expenditure is due to exchange rate fluctuations.
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Swiss army uses drone technology. Should we worry?
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The same small drones that search for missing people and transport medicines are increasingly being used on the battlefield.
Switzerland has had to go without reconnaissance drones since 2019, when previous models were taken out of service after 20 years. Originally, the new system was to be introduced gradually from 2019. One reason for the delays was that a drone intended for Switzerland crashed in August 2020.
In addition to military use, the drones can also be used by civilian agencies like cantonal command staffs, police and rescue agencies or the border authorities – the Swiss border guards are currently using helicopters.
Even before the current delay, the drones generated controversy. In 2015, when the order was approved by the Swiss parliament, there was criticism about the purchase of Israeli military technology. And in Jaunary 2022, a Senate committee issued a report stating that the purchase represented a “considerable risk” for Switzerland.
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Finland remains the happiest country in the world; Switzerland ranks 13th
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Finland remains the happiest country in the world for the eighth year running. Switzerland is 13th, while the United States has its lowest ever ranking.
Survey finds money is biggest concern for Swiss families
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HIgh health insurance premiums and rising prices are key concerns for Swiss families according to the latest family barometer.
FINMA director: ‘Capital strengthening of UBS could take place in stages’
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The tightening of capital requirements for Swiss bank UBS could be introduced in stages, over several years, says FINMA Director Stefan Walter.
Swiss culture budget approved, after long disagreement over looted art
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On Wednesday, the Swiss parliament found common ground on looted art after a long disagreement on this sensitive point in history.
Swiss parliamentarians back expansion of nitrochemical capacity to boost defence
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The Swiss House of Representatives has backed a motion to expand the armaments company Nitrochemie in order to increase defence capabilities.
Swiss engineering company ABB to equip Stadler trains in the US
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Swiss-Swedish multinational ABB will supply traction converters and batteries for Stadler’s new trains in the United States.
Former Credit Suisse manager fined CHF100K over Mozambique affair
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The Swiss Federal Department of Finance has fined a former Credit Suisse executive CHF100,000 for failing to report suspicion of money laundering.
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