Switzerland İnvests in Advanced Camouflage Against Drones
Switzerland’s Federal Office for Defence Procurement (armasuisse) has awarded new contracts for multispectral camouflage systems to three European defense suppliers — SSZ Camouflage Technology AG (Switzerland), Saro GmbH (Germany), and Saab (Sweden).
The decision followed an extensive testing and evaluation process based on performance capability, integration potential, and logistical and economic factors. The selected systems will form part of Switzerland’s modernization drive to enhance battlefield survivability and protection against advanced reconnaissance technologies.
The procurement includes 14 individual lots, each assigned to the supplier whose technology best meets the specific technical and operational requirements. Federal Office said the multispectral camouflage systems, also known as MSTS, are designed to reduce optical, infrared, and radar signatures—making military vehicles, personnel, and installations harder to detect by modern sensors.
“As part of the invitation process, the systems of the three shortlisted candidates were tested and evaluated based on technical and operational criteria,” the Federal Office said. “The test results show that all three suppliers fulfill different requirements in terms of effectiveness and together offer the best possible protection against modern reconnaissance technologies.”
The multispectral systems will provide the Swiss Armed Forces with protection against detection by visual observation, infrared surveillance, and radar imaging — countering the growing use of drones and sensor-based reconnaissance on today’s battlefields.
The contract award also supports Switzerland’s Armament Policy Strategy adopted by the Federal Council on June 20, 2025. Armasuisse noted that the decision aligns with two strategic objectives: strengthening domestic defense industry participation while ensuring access to leading European technology in critical capability areas.
Multispectral camouflage represents a major evolution from traditional visual concealment. The technology uses advanced materials that absorb or disrupt electromagnetic waves across several wavelengths, including short-, medium-, and longwave infrared. This reduces the visibility of military targets to both human observers and sensor-based systems, enhancing force protection in modern reconnaissance environments.
The selected suppliers — SSZ Camouflage Technology AG, Saro GmbH, and Saab — are recognized for their expertise in adaptive and multispectral concealment technologies. Saab, for example, has developed a series of camouflage solutions for NATO countries, while SSZ Camouflage Technology provides customized systems for alpine and urban terrain.
By distributing the contracts among multiple companies, armasuisse aims to ensure both technological diversity and resilience in supply chains, while maintaining a competitive domestic defense industrial base.