Armaments Program 2008

The Federal Council has approved the Armaments Program 2008 (PA 08) which earmarks funding of 917 million Swiss francs for four acquisition projects. PA 08 is in line with the 2008-2011 defence development plan (ED 08/11).>> A total of 594 million Swiss francs of PA 08 funding will be paid to Swiss companies in the form of direct or indirect orders or offsets.>> This program was unanimously approved by the Federal Council (25 votes for, 8 abstentions) during the Summer session, and will be submitted for final approval to the National Council during the Autumn 2008 session.>>> --GMTF Protected Personnel Transport Vehicle: 1st batch, 396 million francs> The Type 93 wheeled armoured vehicles only cover part of the infantrys transport requirements, so the majority of infantry troops are presently transported by vehicles offering no protection. The army consequently requires a vehicle ensuring protection, mobility and command functions for both combat and non-combat scenarios. The GMTF vehicle, derived from the Duro IIIP, meets this requirement, and is suitable for peacekeeping missions as well.> To keep options open for the future, these vehicles will be procured in several batches.> The GMTF will complement the tracked Grenadier Tank 2000 and the wheeled Grenadier Vehicle 93 already in service, but its acquisition and operating costs are lower.>>> -- ABC Reconnaissance vehicle: 70 million francs> The ABC reconnaissance vehicle will support military and civilian authorities by detecting the presence of radioactive (A), biologic (B) or chemical (C) substances in contaminated environments. As it is intended for use is combat and near-combat scenarios, it must be armoured.