Switzerland Seeking New UAV

Elbit and IAI to submit detailed proposals for replacing the Ranger UAV that is being phased out of service in the Swiss Army. The contenders: the Hermes 900 and Heron-1 UAVs

The Swiss government is expected to select a new UAV for its army before the end of the year. The two front contenders are Elbit's Hermes 900 UAV and the Heron-1 UAV by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).


Demonstrative flights for both UAVs are slated to take place in Switzerland during the second half of the year. The chosen UAV is expected to replace the Ranger UAV, which was produced by the Swiss company RUAG, in cooperation with IAI.

The selection of one of the UAVs is meant to take place prior to 2014, with the acquisition intended to take place a year afterwards. Both Elbit and IAI are expected to submit detailed proposals to the Swiss government before August 2012.