Communication and Electromagnetic Protection Systems
Communications and management systems need to transfer information without delay to all levels of management. The secure transmission of information between sensor systems, decision-makers and emergency services constitutes a challenge particularly in mobile engagements. All military systems using the electromagnetic spectrum must be protected against electromagnetic hazards on one side and comply with the legal restrictions on the emission of non-ionising radiation. With evaluations and tests the experts verify the military and legal compliance.

Communications and Management Systems
Communications is at the heart of all management and information systems. Coverage, capacity and availability requirements are defined based on military requirements and their functionality is reviewed. The immunity
to interference and the resilience of the networks during a crisis, and the protection against unauthorised access to information are all relevant in terms of security.
Non-Ionising Radiation (NIR)
S+T leads the competence centre for non-ionising radiation of the DDPS (DDPS COMC). Its central task is the over-all coordination, which guarantees personal safety. For new projects that generate NIR, electromagnetic emissions are calculated and assessed in terms of legal requirements. After commissioning, the radiation is measured and proposals for remedial action are made as required.
High-Power Electromagnetics
Special attention is paid to electromagnetic effects and their compatibility, expert opinion is provided. The focus is on high-power electromagnetics, nuclear electromagnetic pulses, lightning protection and non-ionising radiation.
Specialists provide the required proof of protection based on technical requirements.
Unique Test Infrastructure
Our measuring and testing facilities are available to national and international customers for system and component testing. All facilities have state-of-the-art equipment, and our highly qualified personnel ensure professional testing.
Komsys Laboratory

This facility for evaluating the performance of communications systems can be used for laboratory and field measurements and for carrying out simulations and emulations. It is suitable for assessing military radio networks and complete communications systems.
Antenna Measuring Station

Measuring site for antenna measurements in the VHF/UHF frequency range with hub, measuring tower and measuring shack. This facility is suitable for determining antenna diagrams and characterising location properties.
HPE Laboratory

Facility for testing immunity to pulsed electromagnetic sources such as nuclear-induced electromagnetic pulses, lightning or intended interference signals (high-power electromagnetics [HPE]).
NIR Competence Centre

Measurement infrastructure for army electromagnetic emission systems with regard to their legal conformity. Software is also available here for situation-specific electromagnetic fields simulations.
Factsheet 1
Tests on the Patrol Boat 16's radio systems

armasuisse S+T has carried out checks on the wiring installed in the radio systems fitted to the prototype of the Patrol Boat 16 and has measured the links between the systems in order to estimate the potential for mutual interference. The Patrol Boat 16 is equipped with a wide range of communication, navigation and locating systems, the proper functioning of which depends on the quality of the connections to the antennae (i.e. the cables, plugs, etc.) installed in the boat but which are also potentially affected by mutual interference. Both these aspects were the subject of the investigations undertaken by the Communications and Electromagnetic Protection division.
Read more...
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Tests on the Patrol Boat 16's radio systems
PDF, 2 Pages, 784 KB, German
Factsheet 2
New cables for IBBK radio

IBBK radio is the Swiss population’s source of information in crisis situations. The network is constantly maintained. In view of a certain amount of ageing, the current coaxial cables to the emergency transmitters have to be replaced. Evaluating the candidate replacement equipment requires specialist knowledge of materials and electrical engineering.
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New cables for IBBK radio
PDF, 1 Pages, 154 KB, English
Factsheet 3
Revised threat from high-power electromagnetic waves

The Swiss armaments procurement agency already knew about Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse (NEMP) 50 years ago, thanks to the strong contacts between ETHZ and American research institutes. During this time, the relevant US protective measures against ground-level detonations have been applied in Switzerland.
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Revised threat from high-power electromagnetic waves
PDF, 1 Pages, 267 KB, English
Factsheet 4
Study on disruptive effects of wind power plants

With the move away from fossil fuels, there is growing interest in wind energy. There is a risk, however, that wind power plants in Switzerland could adversely affect DDPS installations. S+T was tasked with doing basic analysis to establish the extent to which wind power plants are potentially disruptive to DDPS systems and to determine the means by which this could be avoided.
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Study on disruptive effects of wind power plants
PDF, 1 Pages, 280 KB, English
Factsheet 5
Antenna technology: supporting security

Antennas are core elements in communication and surveillance systems. S+T analyzes technological developments and examines antennas in light of the Swiss Armed Forces' very diverse requirements.
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Antenna technology supporting security
PDF, 1 Pages, 106 KB, English
Factsheet 6
A glimpse into space: deployment scenarios for satellites

The options for deploying satellites in the communications field have been investigated, analyzed and evaluated by S+T. The resulting study, delivered to the Army Staff, sums up the principal findings, from scientific aspects and a market analysis to the future prospects for satellite systems.
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A glimpse into space: deployment scenarios for satellites
PDF, 1 Pages, 145 KB, English
Electromagnetic Protection Systems
Dr. Alain Jaquier
Feuerwerkerstrasse 39
CH-3602 Thun
- Tel.
- +41 58 468 27 41