On April 30, 2024, the Swiss Federal Office for Defense Procurement, Armasuisse, officially issued a request for proposals to three manufacturers for the procurement of new medium-range ground-based air defense systems for the Bodluv MR project. This move is part of a broader effort by the Swiss Army to update its aging air defense capabilities, with the deadline for proposal submissions set for mid-July 2024.
The Bodluv MR project (bodengestützten Luftverteidigung mittlerer Reichweite, translated as medium-range ground-based air defense) aims to address the shortcomings of current Swiss air defense systems, which are nearing the end of their operational lifespan. Existing systems like the Stinger and Medium Anti-Aircraft (M Flab) are limited by their short range, increasingly inadequate against modern combat aircraft that operate from greater heights and distances. The replacement systems are expected to significantly enhance the Swiss Army’s ability to defend its airspace.
Armasuisse has shortlisted three potential suppliers for these systems: Diehl Defence from Germany, a joint effort from Kongsberg of Norway and Raytheon of the USA, and MBDA from France. These companies were selected based on a thorough market analysis and their ability to meet extensive military, technical, and logistical requirements. The manufacturers are required to propose systems that have already proven effective in deployment. Proposals must detail the logistics, armament specifics, and any ongoing or planned offset projects, crucial for building domestic capabilities.
Among the contenders being considered for the Bodluv MR system, the German Diehl Defence’s IRIS-T SLM, a ground-based air defense system based on the air-launched IRIS-T missile, is recognized for its operational effectiveness. It provides medium to long-range defense capabilities against aircraft, missiles, and UAVs with precision. Combining a high-performance radar and missile system with an advanced fire control system, the IRIS-T SLM can effectively target threats at various altitudes and distances. Successful tests conducted under realistic conditions have demonstrated its capability to engage multiple targets simultaneously with a high rate of success.