Switzerland has decided on the procurement of new short-range radars: According to the Federal Office of Armaments Armasuisse, the contract for the project “Capability development of semi-mobile short-range radars” was awarded to the Italian armaments company Leonardo with its TMMR (Tactical Multi-Mission Radar) system. Offers from Saab and the Israeli manufacturer IAI/ELTA Systems were unsuccessful.
Back in January Militär Aktuell reported that Switzerland was looking for a new systemto be able to guarantee air sovereignty in the lower airspace more densely and reliably.
Gradual skill development
According to Armasuisse, an initial TMMR system including integration and supplies will cost around eight million Swiss francs (approx. 8.2 million euros). This is the first step in a staggered procurement process. If the system proves itself in troop deployment, further radars will follow by 2028 in order to achieve full capability.
Modern AESA radar from Italy
Leonardo first presented the TMMR at the Eurosatory arms fair in 2022. The compact AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar in C-band is based on modern gallium nitride (GaN) technology and is designed to detect, classify and track small, fast-moving targets such as drones.
The fully digitalized system can be used for drone defence (C-UAS) as well as against missiles, artillery and mortar fire (C-RAM). It is also suitable for short-range air defense, border surveillance and the protection of critical infrastructure. Depending on the target type, the detection range extends from 7 to 25 kilometers with all-round coverage of up to 360 degrees.
With a weight of less than 50 kilograms and low energy consumption, the radar is easy to transport and can be deployed quickly – ideal for flexible use in changing scenarios.
In a video published by Leonardo, the TMMR is mounted on a lightweight vehicle and combined with electro-optical and infrared elements that originate from the “Nerio” system of the company’s own Falcon Shield complex. It remains to be seen whether this configuration will also be adopted for Switzerland – but it would be particularly advantageous at close range.
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Closing a capability gap
The planned decommissioning of the tactical airborne radar (Taflir) by 2030 will leave a gap in Switzerland’s airspace surveillance in the lower and middle range. This gap is now to be gradually filled by the TMMR system.
According to Armasuisse, the radar is able to “detect, classify, track and identify targets using friend-or-foe recognition”. In addition, the semi-mobile system can be deployed quickly – a key factor in the responsiveness of Swiss air defense.
Air defense in transition
Switzerland’s integrated air defense (ILV) is a networked system consisting of radars, command and control centers, fighter aircraft and surface-to-air missiles. However, the Swiss Air Force is currently “only partially” able to protect the entire airspace.
The “Air 2030” program aims to change this: The aim is to increase coverage to over 70 percent of the country’s territory. Key elements are the Patriot system (long-range), the Iris-T SLM system (medium-range, part of the European Sky Shield Initiative) and the F-35A fighter jets. However, the latter are likely to become significantly more expensive following recent discussions about the alleged US “fixed price”.
Armaments policy embedding
The decision in favor of Leonardo is in line with the Federal Council’s armaments policy strategy of June 2025, according to which at least 30 percent of Switzerland’s procurement volume should flow to neighboring countries or European countries in order to increase compatibility, supply chain security and resilience.
Switzerland is thus not only relying on modern technology, but also on strategic interoperability – and at the same time strengthening its defense capabilities in the European context.
Here for more news about Leonardo and here for more information about the Swiss Armed Forces.
