Switzerland Asks Elbit System to Compensate for Reduced Functionalities of ADS 15 Drone

Three functionalities will be renounced from the ADS 15 (Hermes 900 HFE) reconnaissance drones.

Defensemirror.com bureau
03:10 PM, October 7, 2025
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Switzerland Asks Elbit System to Compensate for Reduced Functionalities of ADS 15 Drone

ADS 15 (Hermes 900 HFE) reconnaissance drone @ArmaSuisse

ArmaSuisse, the Federal Office for Defence Procurement has asked Elbit Systems the manufacturer of the ADS 15 (Hermes 900 HFE) reconnaissance drone to compensate for three functionalities it can no longer provide in the UAV.

ArmaSuisse delivered the third of altogether six reconnaissance drone systems 15 (ADS 15) for operation to the Swiss Air Force on 19 September 2025, an official release said

All six ADS 15 should be available to the Air Force by the end of 2026 which can then close a capability gap in airborne intelligence and situational awareness.

The project will be continued with a renunciation of functionalities due to contractually guaranteed services which have not been achieved, meaning that milestones cannot be attained. ArmaSuisse is currently holding talks with the supplier Elbit in this connection.

Specifically, three functionalities will be renounced, which were originally guaranteed by the manufacturer but can no longer be implemented.

These are, firstly, the automatic avoidance system (“Detect and Avoid”) to be developed by RUAG, secondly the deicing system and thirdly the GPS-independent take-off and landing system. Compensation will be claimed for the renunciation of these functionalities.

Despite this renunciation, the ADS 15 will make a significant contribution to strengthening Switzerland’s defence capability

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Switzerland Asks Elbit System to Compensate for Reduced Functionalities of ADS 15 Drone

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