Switzerland’s Hermes 900 procurement faces further delays and headwinds
Switzerland has already received two Hermes 900 Starliner UAVs in 2022. (Photo: Armasuisse)
The Swiss Federal Audit Office has disclosed in a recent audit report that Elbit Systems’ Hermes 900 StarLiner UAV acquisition for Switzerland will meet all military requirements by 2029 “at the earliest”.
According to the Swiss Federal Audit Office, it also noted that the additionally required escort aircraft would cause the operating and maintenance costs to be “considerably higher” than those communicated in the 2015 armament programme.
“In armasuisse's [the Federal Office for Defence Procurement] view, the cause of the delays lies mainly with the suppliers RUAG and Elbit, the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,” the audit stated.
Related Articles
Switzerland completes Hermes 900 UAV roll tests
In 2015, Switzerland awarded Elbit Systems a €230 million (US$256 million) procurement contract for six Hermes 900 UAVs with heavy fuel engines, to replace its ageing ADS 95 reconnaissance drone system.
Elbit had originally, reportedly, scheduled deliveries in 2019. Yet, the programme experienced its first set of delays and delivered only two UAVs in 2022 with a 2023 timeline schedule for the remaining four.
In 2023, an extension for the project was reportedly agreed up to the end of 2026, with Elbit agreeing to deliver an additional support package and extend the warranty of the Hermes 900 to Switzerland as compensation for the delay of the four further UAVs.
On the two UAVs already delivered, the Federal Audit Office also claimed that the Federal Office for Defence Procurement (armasuisse) found “major quality deficiencies” after the systems were handed over in 2023.
Further, the audit stated that there were “considerable doubts” as to whether RUAG – the technology partner of the Swiss Armed Forces - could equip the UAVs with a Detect and Avoid system on time.
The heavy-fuel engine powered uncrewed aerial system is a derivative of the Hermes 900. According to Elbit Systems, it provides an improved climb rate, extended endurance and maximum speed compared to the base version.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Hermes 900 StarLiner [Switzerland]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year
The counter-UAS prototype, named Low-cost Air Defence or ‘LOAD’, will be used to combat kamikaze UAS.
-
Taiwan receives first F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft
The aircraft is the first of 66 to be delivered to Taiwan from Lockheed Martin.
-
Boeing to remanufacture five more US Army MH-47G Block II Chinooks
The contract award, worth $240 million, is part of the ongoing effort by the US Army to modernise its Block II Chinook rotorcraft fleet.
-
Avalon 2025: RAAF looks beyond 10 years to when future deliveries may restart
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has been substantially refreshed in the past two decades including F-35A and F/A-18F fighter aircraft, as well as the addition of transport aircraft such as C-17s, C-130 variants and C-27Js. Additional aircraft may only be a medium-term prospect.
-
Avalon 2025: Australia’s missile and ordnance plans excite companies
Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) industrial plan is ambitious and promises big spending in an effort to create a local and sovereign capability. Companies at last week’s Australian International Airshow near Melbourne were making their pitches.