BERN, Switzerland, May 23 (UPI) -- The Swiss Federal Council is recommending that the Federal Assembly authorize five defense projects costing $760.3 million.
The projects would be part of the Swiss armaments program for 2013.
The first proposal is for an enhanced and expanded defense communications network to allow all major systems to connect with a secure and uniform telecommunications infrastructure. The objectives are to prevent network access by unauthorized third parties, increase available data transfer rates and reduce dependence on civil operators.
The second is for support a 45-yard support bridge system for troops. The Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport says combat engineers no longer have equipment allowing wheeled or tracked vehicles to cross 45-yard obstacles in a matter of hours.
Also proposed is acquisition of 960 new generation military vehicles; third tranche acquisition of more than 130 armored personnel carriers; replenishing the army's inventory of spare parts for several systems; and replenishment of parts for aircraft.
