Swiss Army moves forward with soldier modernisation

Cassidian has been awarded a production contract for its Warrior21 system in support of the Swiss Army’s soldier modernisation programme (SMP).

The contract was awarded by the Swiss defence procurement agency, Armasuisse, on 1 March. A statement from EADS division Cassidian said the CHF20 million contract is part of the Integrated and Modular Engagement System for the Swiss Soldier (IMESS) programme.

IMESS is described as a programme for the modernisation of the Swiss infantry fighting capabilities from a single soldier up to platoon level.

Prototypes based on the Warrior21 have been in tests since 2007. The contract awarded to Cassidian will take these prototypes to production standard and introduce production-ready systems.

Expected to provide capability enhancements, and viability and modularity in the infantry sector, the advanced soldier system will give the Swiss Army one of the most powerful SMPs in the world, according to the statement.

Capabilities included are: tactical command and control from company to individual soldier level; the use of optimised communication media; improved weight and energy balance; enhanced situational awareness and navigation through the use of head-mounted displays; and better night fighting and reconnaissance capabilities.

In order to handle heavy loads, a powerful and energy-efficient ‘electronic backbone’ called the PowerController is being integrated to secure a constant power supply.

The contract also provides for the equipping of combat vehicles, including the Swiss DURO and Piranha, to ensure command and control on high-mobility operations.

According to EADS, there is planned interoperability between the Warrior21 and other army C4I systems.

The original prototype contract was awarded to EADS Defense and Security (since renamed Cassidian) in conjunction with Sagem Défense Sécurité in 2007. 

Meanwhile, on 2 March it was announced that Cassidian had received an order for 400 further units of the Bundeswehr’s Future Soldier System. Ordered for deployment to Afghanistan, the system is to be delivered in its basic version.

As part of an immediate procurement measure to meet the demands of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan, the delivery will mean a total of 2,900 systems of this type will be owned by the Bundeswehr.

The system entered service in 2004 and offers enhanced protection, as well as increased capabilities for command and control, navigation and weaponry.