The Norwegian defence group Kongsberg and the European missiles systems company MBDA have informed the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse that they will not be taking part in the evaluation for a new system for medium-range ground-based air defence (GBAD MR).

The withdrawal of the two companies followed the submission of the request for quotation for the new system by armasuisse on 30 April 2024. Diehl Defence (Germany) will remain as a potential manufacturer in the tender.

Further action in the project

The evaluation process will continue as planned with the goal of procuring a medium-range GBAD system as soon as possible and thus increasing Switzerland’s defence capability. The Parliament is currently discussing procurement with the Armed Forces Dispatch 2024 instead of 2025 as planned.

armasuisse is awaiting the receipt of the offer from the remaining manufacturing company by mid-July 2024. Apart from the costs, a decision in favour of the remaining candidate in the third quarter of 2024 is dependent on this candidate submitting an offer which meets the requirements of armasuisse.

The future system must meet military, technical and logistical requirements. Among other things, it must thus already be successfully in use. The inclusion of Swiss industry is also of particular importance. One hundred percent of the purchase price must be compensated with offsetting transactions in Switzerland; the offer must then also include information on envisaged and already initiated offset projects.

Participation in the European Sky Shield Initiative without prejudice for the selection of type

In addition to the military, technical and logistical requirements which must be met by a future system, its potential for international cooperation will also be taken into account. With its participation in the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), Switzerland is increasing international opportunities for cooperation: ESSI enables better coordination of procurement projects, training and logistical aspects in the area of ground-based air defence. However, participation in this initiative does not pre-empt the decision on type, especially if it does not affect national responsibilities in procurement.

Project “GBAD MR”

The project “GBAD MR” is a procurement project for renewing important anti-aircraft systems of the Swiss Armed Forces. The renewal will close existing gaps in security and capability in air cover and local protection, to combat approaching targets at a medium distance and thus expand long-range ground-based air defence with the Patriot system. Systems currently in use will soon reach the end of their useful life. In addition, the existing type Stinger and medium anti-aircraft (med AAA) systems only have very short ranges – modern combat aircraft deploy their weapons from greater heights and distances.

Medium-range ground-based air defence – Kongsberg and MBDA will not submit offers