Swiss Military Scales Back Israeli Drone Requirements

Defense ministry proceeds with ADS-15 drone procurement but drops three key functionalities after technical challenges.

The Swiss Army will proceed with the procurement of six Israeli ADS-15 reconnaissance drones despite technical failures.
Three key functionalities have been permanently dropped from the drone specifications: automatic evasion, GPS-independent take-off/landing, and de-icing systems.
Elbit Systems will cover the fixed costs of the service contract for up to eight years as compensation.
The drones will require escort by other aircraft when flying in uncontrolled airspace during the day.
It is expected that up to four of the six drones may never provide the full proof required for authorization.

drones

years

functionalities

"It cannot be ruled out that the supplier will not reach further milestones."
— Swiss Defence Ministry

"The procurement or parts of it should be dispensed with."
— Martin Pfister

A Strategic Compromise in the Skies

The Swiss Army will proceed with the procurement of six Israeli ADS-15 reconnaissance drones despite technical failures.
Three key functionalities have been permanently dropped from the drone specifications: automatic evasion, GPS-independent take-off/landing, and de-icing systems.
Elbit Systems will cover the fixed costs of the service contract for up to eight years as compensation.
The drones will require escort by other aircraft when flying in uncontrolled airspace during the day.
It is expected that up to four of the six drones may never provide the full proof required for authorization.

drones

years

functionalities

"It cannot be ruled out that the supplier will not reach further milestones."
— Swiss Defence Ministry

"The procurement or parts of it should be dispensed with."
— Martin Pfister