In 2015, the Confederation placed an order for six Israeli-made Hermes 900 HFE reconnaissance drones for an amount of 250 million francs. In 2021, the press was already reporting numerous problems delaying the use of machines from the Elbit firm. ArmaSuisse had however hoped for possible use from the end of 2023. The “SRF” revealed on Friday that a new technical hiccup would further postpone their entry into service.
Drones, although considered high military technology, would currently be unable to avoid certain obstacles without the assistance of another plane or helicopter, declared Urs Loher, director of the Federal Office of armament, to the German-speaking media. The Federal Parliament’s finance delegation recently considered that the system in question carried “considerable risks in terms of technical feasibility, authorization and costs”.
But the official, citing external expertise, adds that the problem should be solvable. Israeli drones should now be ready to operate in 2029. Four of the six devices have so far been delivered.
Swiss
