Key facts
The Swiss Air Force must roll out a new, integrated air defence system by the end of 2030. A new type of fighter aircraft and a longer-range ground-based air defence system are being procured as part of the Air2030 programme. The programme also includes the Radar and C2Air (Air Force Command and Control) projects. C2Air involves the gradual replacement and modernisation of the current Florako air surveillance and central dispatching system. The procurement of this system was requested by Parliament in the 2020 armament programme. Based on current knowledge, C2Air will cost a total of CHF 291 million.
In this audit, the Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) assessed whether the necessary development services and peripheral systems were adequately reflected in the project plan. It focused exclusively on the C2Air subproject to replace Ralus (Radar-Luftlage-System, a radar system for establishing the air picture) and Lunas (Luftlage-Nachrichtensystem, a system for reproducing the air picture data on screen). This sub-project accounts for the largest financial share of the project. The findings show that the requirements for procurement of a standard product were largely met. However, the extent of the required custom developments was not fully recognised in advance and was underestimated and insufficiently coordinated and managed. This led to delays and higher costs. In addition, there are considerable risks and problems in the collaboration between project teams. These have been identified but not yet sufficiently addressed. Urgent action is needed here.