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Reconnaissance drone system 15 (ADS 15): armasuisse has delivered the third drone to the Swiss Air Force

Swiss Government

Press release
Published on 2 October 2025

Bern, 02.10.2025 -- The Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse delivered the third of altogether six reconnaissance drone systems 15 (ADS 15) for operation to the Swiss Air Force on 19 September 2025.

All six ADS 15 should be available to the Air Force for operation and maintenance by the end of 2026. As a result, the Air Force can successively implement operationalisation and thus close a capability gap in airborne intelligence and situational awareness. The ADS 15 can make a considerable contribution along the entire performance profile of the Armed Forces, including reconnaissance on troops, locations and areas with no troops. On request, the system is also available to support civilian authorities such as rescue services and cantonal executive staff as well as the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security FOCBS, the Federal Intelligence Service FIS and the Federal Office of Police fedpol. The ADS 15 can also make a direct and continuous contribution where natural disasters are concerned by determining and monitoring a potential damage site.

Renunciation of functionalities and ongoing discussions with the manufacturer Elbit

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.

ADS 15 has demonstrated performance in tactical operation

In the current project phase of the trial, the Air Force and the Artillery successfully demonstrated the broad operational spectrum of the ADS 15 in the exercise "COMBINED ARMS 25" at the beginning of September 2025. During the exercise on the military training area Bière, artillery fire was conducted using the ADS 15. The fire control officer was on the military airfield Emmen and precisely conducted the fire via the drone, which was unaccompanied in transit over the military training area Bière, over a large distance and within a short space of time.