armasuisse Science and Technology

What armasuisse Science and Technology does

armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T) is the technology competence center of the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), operating as the research and innovation arm of the Federal Office for Defence Procurement. Headquartered in Thun with facilities in Bern and a new site under development at Payerne, S+T runs a portfolio of specialized competence centres — the Cyber-Defence Campus (CYD Campus), the Swiss Drone and Robotics Center (SDRC), and the Competence Centre Artificial Intelligence and Simulation (AISI) — alongside research programmes in electronic warfare (INSIGNE), camouflage, communications, space, and technology foresight. Core technology outputs include the NJÖRD AI tool for the Swiss Armed Forces, the NEBULA federated learning platform, autonomous ground systems tested at ARCHE and ELROB trials, and the A-VIPER software vulnerability analysis pipeline developed with the US Air Force Research Laboratory.

S+T also hosts major testing events such as ELROB (European Land Robot Trial) and ARCHE (disaster-relief robotics), and participates in international interoperability exercises such as NATO's CWIX. The business model is government-funded rather than commercial: revenue derives from parliamentary budget appropriations via the DDPS, augmented by offset-driven procurement contracts with international primes including Lockheed Martin (F-35A), Diehl Defence (IRIS-T SLM), KNDS (artillery), Elbit Systems (ADS 15 drones), Leonardo (TMMR radar), and Saab (multispectral camouflage). S+T serves as the principal procurement intermediary and research provider for the Swiss Armed Forces, with primary end-users being the Swiss Army, Air Force, Land Forces and DDPS cyber organizations, while also engaging NATO, the European Defence Agency, and bilateral defence partners for joint capability development.

Name

armasuisse Science and Technology

Legal name

armasuisse Federal Office for Defence Procurement

Website

https://ar.admin.ch

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

armasuisse Science and Technology is the research and innovation arm of Switzerland's Federal Office for Defence Procurement, operating competence centres in cyber defence, AI, and robotics to deliver technology, testing, and procurement services for the Swiss Armed Forces and DDPS.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense Research and Procurement Services

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Space Research and Technology (92711)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Defense R&D, Test, Evaluation & Innovation (BPAIAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Precision Strike & Fire Control Systems (IMABAOAE), Fire Control Systems & Weapon Control Electronics (IMABAGAI), Air Defense Missiles & Interceptors (IMABAHAD), Military Aerospace Ground Support Equipment (GSE) & Test Systems (IMABAMAL)

Keywords

• Defense research services
• Military procurement services
• Cyber defence research
• Unmanned systems testing
• National security technology

Headquarters

HQ city

Thun

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Funding and Defence Procurement: As a Swiss Federal Office, armasuisse operates under annual government budgets allocated by Swiss Parliament through the DDPS (Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport). Revenue comes from federal budget appropriations for defence procurement, armaments programmes, and research activities.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

armasuisse Science and Technology is the technology competence centre of the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS). It conducts applied research and development in cyber defence, robotics, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, space technologies, camouflage systems, communications, and reconnaissance for the Swiss Armed Forces. It also hosts testing platforms (ELROB, ARCHE), runs innovation programmes such as the Cyber Startup Challenge and dual-use technology funding calls, and manages major procurement projects including F-35A, IRIS-T SLM, ADS 15 drones, and artillery systems alongside defence technology manufacturers.

Product overview

armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T) is a Swiss federal research organization within the Federal Office for Defence Procurement. It operates a portfolio of specialized research centres (Cyber-Defence Campus, Swiss Drone and Robotics Center, Competence Centre AI and Simulation), research programmes (Taskforce Drones, INSIGNE for electronic warfare), and testing platforms (ARCHE for disaster relief robotics, ELROB for unmanned ground systems). S+T also manages major procurement programmes including IRIS-T SLM air defence systems, ADS 15 reconnaissance drones, and F-35A fighter aircraft. Key technology products include the NEBULA federated learning platform and NJÖRD AI tool. The organization publishes the Inside S+T magazine and research brochures, and runs innovation initiatives like the Cyber Startup Challenge. S+T's research spans cyber defence, AI, robotics, space, electronic warfare, camouflage systems, and sustainable construction (RECOBI).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Cyber-Defence Campus (CYD Campus): Part of armasuisse Science and Technology focusing on cyber defence research and innovation
• Swiss Drone and Robotics Center (SDRC)
• Competence Centre Artificial Intelligence and Simulation (AISI)
• armasuisse Real Estate
• Centre Energy for Defence and Security (ZEvS)
• Taskforce Drones

Products and services

• Cyber-Defence Campus (CYD Campus) Research and Innovation Services Research and innovation hub providing cyber defence, data analytics, technology monitoring, and digital security services for Switzerland's national security organizations. Serves as the primary centre for cyber defence research at armasuisse S+T.
• Swiss Drone and Robotics Center (SDRC) Testing and Development Services Develops and tests drone and robotic systems for disaster relief, reconnaissance, and military security applications. Hosts the ARCHE disaster relief robotics trial and partners with ETH Zurich on robotics research.
• Competence Centre Artificial Intelligence and Simulation (AISI) Services Develops AI and simulation solutions for organizations of national security, including the NJÖRD AI tool delivered to the Swiss Armed Forces and the NEBULA federated learning platform.
• Taskforce Drones Military Drone Capability Development Accelerates capability development of military drone technologies, conducting tests of Swiss attack and defence drones and market surveys.
• INSIGNE Electronic Warfare Modernization Programme Modernization project for electronic warfare capabilities, ensuring state-of-the-art electronic reconnaissance, jamming, and deception systems with lightweight, modular, interoperable solutions.
• NEBULA Federated Learning Platform A platform for training federated models in centralized and decentralized architectures, rationalizing development, deployment, and management of federated applications for cyber defence and security use cases.
• NJÖRD AI Tool An AI tool developed together with the Cyber-Defence Campus for the Swiss Armed Forces to support operational decision-making.
• A-VIPER Software Vulnerability Research Project Automated identification, analysis, and prioritisation of software vulnerabilities in security-critical systems, conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory.
• RECOBI Sustainable Building Renovation Process Sustainable renovation process combining 3D digitalisation, parametric modelling, and additive manufacturing for buildings with complex geometries, with potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 50%.
• ARCHE Disaster Relief Robotics Testing Event Annual testing event for drone and robotics technologies in realistic disaster response scenarios, conducted at the Epeisses military training village with ETH Zurich collaboration.
• ELROB European Land Robot Trial Major European performance competition for mobile robot systems, testing unmanned ground vehicles in realistic military and civilian scenarios at the Thun military training area.
• Cyber Startup Challenge Annual competition by CYD Campus to identify innovative cyber technologies, awarding up to CHF 100,000 for proof-of-concept implementations.
• Dual-Use Technologies Joint Funding Call Joint funding call with Innosuisse for dual-use technology research projects, with a CHF 20 million shared budget to strengthen innovation in security and defence that also benefits the economy and civil society.
• Research Program Security (with ETH Domain) Strategic research cooperation between DDPS and the ETH domain, with eight projects launching from May 2026 supported by CHF 2 million in armasuisse funding.
• Swiss e-ID Quantum-Resilient Security Research Research cooperation between armasuisse and the Federal Office of Justice to advance security and data protection for the Swiss electronic identity, focusing on unlinkability, zero knowledge proofs, post-quantum cryptography, and quantum-resilient architecture.

Quantifiable outcome

• CO₂ emissions reduction of up to 50% for complex geometry buildings through RECOBI sustainable renovation process
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability10 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 July 2026Switzerland participates in NATO's Ammunition Support Partnership (ASP) for joint ammunition procurement, monitoring, and environmentally sound disposal. Benefits include economies of scale, reduced procurement costs, and shortened delivery times.
• ETH ZurichcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2026Long-standing collaboration through Swiss Drone and Robotics Center (SDRC), ARCHE event hosting, Robotics Summer School participation, and research projects including Magnecko climbing robot, ANYmal D, and PPS Search and Rescue Vehicle development.
• European Defence Agency (EDA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2025Updated administrative arrangement between Switzerland and EDA, aligned strategically with Switzerland's defence capabilities. Enables participation in European defence research, innovation, and capability development including Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI).
• Swiss Armed Forces (Engineer/Rescue/NBC Training Unit)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerContinuous collaboration on disaster relief robotics testing through ARCHE event, Taskforce Drones, and operational procedure development for attack drones and defence systems.
• Lockheed MartincoreTechnology or IntegrationF-35A procurement with substantial offset agreements. Additional addendum signed strengthening Swiss industry through security-relevant key technologies, targeting 73% offset value (vs required 60%).
• Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KGcoreTechnology or IntegrationIRIS-T SLM medium-range ground-based air defence system procurement (5 fire units, plus 2 under 2026 Armaments Programme) as part of European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI).
• KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co. KGcoreTechnology or IntegrationContract signed for new artillery system to replace M109 howitzers from 1960s.
• Elbit Systems LtdcoreTechnology or IntegrationReconnaissance drone system 15 (ADS 15) procurement. Addendum signed including services for three functionalities not to be implemented. Third of six systems delivered September 2025.
• Leonardo (Italy)coreTechnology or IntegrationTactical Multi Mission Radar (TMMR) system selected for partially mobile short-range radars for Swiss Air Force airspace surveillance.
• Fraunhofer FKIE (Germany)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of ELROB 2026 at Thun military training area, bringing together 20+ international teams to test robotic systems under realistic conditions.
• RUAG AGmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of ELROB 2026. Partner in ammunition disposal contract with US Army. Involvement in Taskforce Drones.
• InnosuissemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint call for projects on dual-use technologies with CHF 20 million budget (shared between Innosuisse and armasuisse), launched 1 July 2026. RECOBI project initiated through NTN Innovation Booster Additive Manufacturing.
• US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA-VIPER research project on automated identification, analysis and prioritisation of software vulnerabilities in security-critical systems, based on DDPS-DoD framework agreement.
• International Research Partners (CYD Campus)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCYD Campus collaborates with international partners on cybersecurity research. TPMS study conducted with IMDEA Networks Institute and other institutions.
• Federal Office of Justice (FOJ)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCombined expertise to advance security and data protection issues regarding Swiss electronic identity (e-ID). CYD Campus supports research cooperation with focus on unlinkability and post-quantum cryptography.
• Securiton (Switzerland)coreTechnology or IntegrationContract awarded for minidrone defence systems after field evaluation at Meiringen aerodrome. Systems designed as partially mobile for military and civil authority use.
• SSZ Camouflage AG (Switzerland)coreTechnology or IntegrationMultispectral camouflage systems (MSTS) procurement alongside European suppliers.
• Saab Barracuda AB (Sweden)coreTechnology or IntegrationMultispectral camouflage systems (MSTS) procurement alongside Swiss and German suppliers.
• SIG Sauer (with Swiss production)coreTechnology or IntegrationSIG Sauer P320 selected as new service pistol for Swiss Armed Forces with assured domestic Swiss production to retain security-relevant industrial capabilities.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research): Dutch applied research organization conducting defense and security R&D across cyber, autonomous systems, sensors, and human factors. Comparable in size (~3,500 staff) and applied-research positioning to armasuisse S+T, with broader civilian portfolio.
• Fraunhofer Society: Germany's largest applied research organization operates 76 institutes covering defense-relevant technologies (FKIE for command/control, IOSB for sensor systems, IAIS for AI). Co-organizer of ELROB 2026 with armasuisse S+T and a recurring research partner, addressing overlapping research domains across a broader commercial+civilian portfolio.
• Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA): US Department of Defense R&D agency funding high-risk, high-reward defense research. While orders of magnitude larger, DARPA's mission in cyber, AI, autonomous systems, and electronic warfare directly parallels CYD Campus, AISI, and INSIGNE programs at armasuisse S+T.

Direct peers

• Direction générale de l'armement (DGA): France's defense procurement and R&D agency operates with a near-identical mandate to armasuisse: procurement of major military systems, management of offset obligations, and oversight of defense-related research. DGA's dual structure of procurement + DGA Techniques Numériques makes it the closest European peer.
• ONERA: French national aerospace research lab conducts fundamental and applied research in aerodynamics, propulsion, radar/EM, and space systems. Closest peer to armasuisse S+T in terms of national-aerospace research scope, though ONERA's portfolio is more aerospace-platform-focused while armasuisse S+T spans cyber and AI more heavily.
• European Defence Agency (EDA): EU agency coordinating defense capability development, R&T, and procurement cooperation among member states including Switzerland. armasuisse has an updated administrative arrangement (Oct 2025) covering participation in capability development, R&T, and Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI).
• BAAINBw (Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support): Germany's federal defense procurement and equipment agency performs the same statutory role as armasuisse for the Bundeswehr, executing major procurement contracts (aircraft, ground systems, naval) and managing industrial cooperation. Direct functional counterpart within the DACH defense procurement cooperation framework in which armasuisse participates.
• NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA): NSPA executes multinational defense procurement and life-cycle support for NATO nations. armasuisse recently joined NSPA's Ammunition Support Partnership, establishing it as a procurement counterpart with overlapping mission and customer base across NATO-aligned countries.
• Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl): UK's national defense science and technology organization, an executive agency of the Ministry of Defence, conducts applied research and provides S&T advice across cyber, AI, sensors, and autonomy - directly comparable to armasuisse S+T's CYD Campus, SDRC, and AISI portfolios.
• Royal Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI): Norway's national defense research establishment conducts applied research across defense systems, sensors, cyber, and space. Closest Nordic peer to armasuisse S+T in terms of small-state defense research mandate and applied-research positioning, with similar international cooperation patterns.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCJlKpKowOpC3NRUgARfxvuA
• LinkedInch.linkedin.com/company/armasuisse
• Instagraminstagram.com/armasuisse

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles20 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about armasuisse Science and Technology