Detection of improvised explosive devices: armasuisse takes part in a European Defence Agency project

Bern, 17.07.2024 - Improvised explosive devices are set to be able to be detected quicker and more reliably in the future. The Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse is taking part in a European Defence Agency (EDA) research project on this topic. The Deputy Chief of Armament Thomas Rothacher signed the agreement to participate in the "Improvised Explosive Device Detection - Phase II" (IEDDET II) project on 16 July 2024.

The Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse is taking part in another EDA project. The aim of the "Improvised Explosive Device Detection - Phase II" (IEDDET II) project is to be able to detect improvised explosive devices planted on streets and roads quicker and more reliably. Improvised explosive devices (IED) are designed to destroy mobile objects as well as to incapacitate people and vehicles. They are also responsible for more civilian victims around the world than commercially manufactured landmines as well as for just under half of all bomb attack victims. Improvised explosive devices that are still in place after the end of a conflict create a persistent atmosphere of uncertainty and impede the restoration of infrastructure in conflict-affected areas.

The faster detection of improvised explosive devices would allow streets and roads in war zones to be confirmed as being safe more quickly. Furthermore, the level of protection provided to people will be increased by a more reliable detection system. To achieve this aim, unmanned systems, such as drones and ground vehicles, will coordinate optimally with each other. The data collected by their sensors will subsequently be pooled together to generate a complete operational picture.

In addition to Switzerland, other countries interested in taking part in the project include the Netherlands, Poland, Austria and Sweden.

Project expected to start in the second half of 2024

The project is expected to start in the second half of 2024 and is scheduled to end in autumn 2026. The basis for this project agreement is the agreement on cooperation with the EDA of 16 March 2012. This agreement enables Switzerland to participate and exchange information in EDA projects and programmes in the area of skill development, research and technology as well as armaments cooperation. As part of this cooperation, Switzerland can identify EDA programmes, projects and activities in which it would like to take part. Participation will involve making contributions in specific expert forums and research groups. The projects will be carried out by means of the joint research and technology activities in accordance with the capability requirements defined by the EDA member states.

Switzerland is participating in eight different Capability Technology Groups of the EDA and has joined several research projects.

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