«The first results look promising»
Between 31 March and 11 April 2025, the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse, in cooperation with the Swiss Armed Forces, tested the sensor for the new medium-range ground-based air defence system (GBAD MR). The project manager III, Ralf Ströher, was available for an interview about the project and the testing.
Lucia Egger, specialist area Communication, Strategic Staff
What exactly was tested between 31 March and 11 April 2025?
We tested the radar unit Hensoldt TRML-4D from the German manufacturer Hensoldt AG. This is the sensor of the IRIS-T SLM system from Diehl Defence GmbH & Co KG, which we want to procure as the new GBAD MR system.
How and why was the sensor tested?
On the one hand, we are very interested to see how the sensor behaves in our Swiss topography. Mountain ranges in particular present a major challenge for the technology, as they cause shadowing and unwanted reflections. On the other hand, we are well able to estimate the performance of the sensor under real conditions based on test flights. Various aircraft, differing widely with regard to speed and size, were flown in precisely defined missions and recorded and logged by the sensor. This involved the basic functions of the sensor for precisely recognising targets in the detection range and distinguishing them from each other. Using a radar target simulator, additional targets were shown which we cannot or may not fly, such as cruise missiles or other targets which are very small or very fast.
We also carried out investigations regarding frequency compatibility with civilian systems, such as the weather radars of MeteoSchweiz, the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology.
Initial insights into operational aspects and to a small extent also logistical investigations completed the testing.
The first results look promising, however, I would not like to pre-empt the detailed and careful evaluations by the specialists.
What is the current status of the project and what are the next steps?
We are in an advanced stage of contract negotiations. Over the next few months, we will finalise these and lay the legal foundations for conclusion as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI). The requirement for procurement through ESSI is participation in the respective programme agreement as part of the overarching Memorandum of Understanding. Conclusion of this programme agreement is in progress, and the contract can then be signed afterwards.
What does it mean for the project that it is being procured as part of ESSI, and how does it differ from projects that are «traditionally» procured?
The procurement through the European Sky Shield Initiative is a special form of international cooperation. The initiative was launched by Germany in 2022 and is based on the need to strengthen air defence in Europe as well as to combine efforts better. Participating countries will be able to benefit from scale effects through a joint procurement. In addition, interoperability between the partner states will be improved. Up to now, there have not yet been any clearly defined guidelines and templates from previous or current procurements for procurements as part of international cooperations. This is very demanding and challenging for the project team. But it’s also motivating to break new ground.
When is the system expected to be introduced?
We are working on receiving the first fire unit by the end of 2028. Other systems should follow soon after. The Air Force can thus initiate the necessary steps for successful implementation in 2029.
Additional information
Short profile of Ralf Ströher
Ralf Ströher is currently employed at armasuisse as project manager III for the new medium-range ground-based air defence system (GBAD MR) to be procured. He is a qualified engineer in aerospace technology and started his professional career as a contracted soldier in the German Air Force. This was followed by roles in the German aerospace industry, predominantly as a sub-project manager in complex ground- and air-based guided missile projects. At armasuisse, he has worked in the system teams of the trio systems Rapier, Stinger and M Flab and was sub-project manager in the long-range GBAD as well as project manager for the extension of the useful life of the medium anti-aircraft artillery M Flab sensor network.