Mini-UASs for the Swiss Army

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The Swiss army is exploring the possibility of acquiring, by 2020, mini-UASs (Unmanned Aerial Systems) for their infantry. A budget of about 8$ million has been set aside for this purpose.

According to the Swiss Defence procurement agency Armasuisse, the miniature UASs will be used for close-proximity surveillance. This confirms information published in the swiss paper Blick.

A proposal is currently being prepared to test various models with a view to eventually acquiring them in 2019-20.

The proposed mini UASs offer the capability of observing the enemy from long distances or from across barriers such as a hill or a building. The models and specifications that will be tested were not disclosed. There are several types of these unmanned craft, including quadricopters or mini-planes that can be fitted with infrared cameras. Most of the crafts can be hand-launched.

Switzerland already operates larger surveillance drones which support its army with intelligence gathering. These are used for policing, border patrols, and assessment in cases of disasters.