Review of the presentation of the Armed Forces Dispatch 2024
The presentation for the Armed Forces Dispatch 2024 took place at the military training area in Thun. It serves to present the systems and real estate requested in the 2024 armament and real estate programme to representatives from politics, industry, active and former decision-makers in the Armed Forces, the media and representatives from the administration.
Fabio Winkelmann, Communication, Strategic staff
The presentation for the Armed Forces Dispatch was opened with a block of talks, which was moderated by Kaj-Gunnar Sievert, Head of Communications armasuisse. The first speaker, Peter Bruns, Head of Armed Forces Planning, emphasised the importance of strengthening the defence capability of the Armed Forces. The lower growth in expenditure will result in a delay in closing capability shortfalls. Bruns then goes into further detail regarding the importance of strengthening the defence capability with regard to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Threats are thus the product of military potential and the intention of realising this potential. The Armed Forces therefore want to develop their military abilities adaptively, use the opportunities offered by technological progress and intensify international cooperation.
Chief of Armament Urs Loher then continued with his talk. Loher said that the gap between the current and desired capabilities needs to be closed. He then referred to the guarantee credits of the material security of the Armed Forces and presented the figures. The credits include the development, testing and procurement preparation, equipment and renewal requirements, as well as training ammunition and ammunition management. The Chief of Armament pointed out that the demand for military equipment is higher, due to the Ukraine war. The market economy principle thus applies – those countries that pay more will receive the delivery first. The material will thus become more expensive and it will take longer for the systems to arrive in Switzerland.
After the talks, the guests visited the vehicle fleet. The «Integrated Artillery Command and Fire Control System» (INTAFF) as well as the «C2 System Land Forces» (FIS HE) were presented, which are used today for communication purposes. This sensor intelligence collection and tactical reconnaissance network is to be digitalised according to international standards. The subsequent video showcase showed how communication of the future might look.
Following this, those present at the presentation were able to view and try out a variety of systems, materials and methods about the Armed Forces. Among other things, the SPIKE LR2 device was presented at the Euro Spike booth. This is a surface-to-surface missile, which serves both as a launcher and, simultaneously, an observation aid. The guided missile in the barrel has a camera attached to the tip. This allows targets within a maximum range of 5.5 km to be found, identified and fired at in conjunction with the tablet. The device has to be operated by two persons – one on the weapon, the other on the tablet. The SPIKE LR2 is primarily used to combat mobile, armoured targets and key objects.
The BIM method (Building Information Modelling) was presented at another booth: Using a digital model, building owners, project managers and operators of the building, as well as others involved, can explore a virtual construction project at an early stage by means of virtual reality. The main advantage of this is that the basis is not a two-dimensional construction plan, but that those involved are in a three-dimensional space where they can inspect all details of the model, identify any problem areas and adjust them using joysticks. All users were thus able to gain a comprehensive picture of the building project and obtain a solid planning basis at an early stage.
The duel simulator for the assault rifle SSim asslt rfl 90 NT was also shown in the presentation. A laser unit is fixed to the tip of a rifle and transmits a code to a counter object. This type of counter object might be, for example, a wearable support unit for body and head, behind which an entire wound and weapons impact model is programmed. As soon as a «shot» is fired, a signal is triggered in the counter model (in the event of a hit). However, it is not precision training, but rather tactical behaviour that is being exercised here.
Altogether, the guests were able to visit 10 booths. At the lunch which followed, the visitors were able to exchange views on what they had seen and heard in a relaxed setting, engage in lively discussions, as well as network with each other.
