Elbit Systems has beaten compatriot IAI to win the competition for Switzerland’s new UAV, which will replace the Ranger UAVs currently in service at a cost of about 250 million Swiss francs. The ADS 95 Ranger drone system operated by the Swiss Army since 2001 is expected to be replaced by the end of this decade. The selection of the replacement system will form the basis of the annual armaments message.

The replacement of the current drone system, which is nearing the end of its service life, can be prepared under Armaments Programme 2015 or in subsequent years. In order to ensure the timely replacement of the Ranger, a new model of drone has been selected so that the basis for the Armaments Message to Parliament can be established.

The replacement of the current drone system, which is nearing the end of its service life, can be prepared under Armaments Programme 2015 or in subsequent years. In order to ensure the timely replacement of the Ranger, a new model of drone has been selected so that the basis for the Armaments Message to Parliament can be established.

The Hermes 900 HFE system is a system of unarmed drones that can be engaged in all weathers and has more flexibility, greater autonomy and a greater range than the current system. The new drones are not armed. UCAVs are not currently, and will not in the near future, be considered for operation by the DDPS.